Donald G. Offerle, (Donny O.) 55, passed from this life into eternity with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, December 4. Donny was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana on June 2, 1962, to Thomas J. and Carol J. Offerle. He was preceded in death by both parents and sister Karen Offerle-Wilcoxson.
Donny, as a child, was president of the Crescent Avenue Gang, and attended St. Jude's Elementary School, graduating from Bishop Dwenger in 1981. While continuing his education at IPFW, he read a story in IPFW's The Communicator about the formation of a new tennis team who was looking for players. Donny signed up for the team, having little tennis experience. Here, his love for tennis was ignited. He worked hard and eventually improved enough to play No. 2 singles for IPFW. This led to his career as a tennis pro. He coached at Fort Wayne Country Club for a year before becoming the coach at Harding High School for seven years and then at New Haven High School for four more. While keeping up the private lessons, Donny became the original pro at Autumn Ridge Golf Club and then at Cherry Hill Golf Club. He didn't use traditional instruction, but he was successful. His love of the sport was infectious. His experience in tennis from novice to challenging competitor helped him take inexperienced players to competitive levels of the game. But more than that, Donny gave his students encouragement to become all they could be. He built up their character, gave them purpose, and showed each student how special their gifts were to this world.
Donny is survived by his siblings John (Laurie) Offerle, Joe (Lei) Offerle, Tim (Cathy) Offerle, who loving cared for him during his final days in their home, Tom (Melanie) Offerle, sister Suzanne (Mark) Baker, and brother-in-law Brian Wilcoxson. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews who loved him dearly, Kristy (Chris) Nowak, Kyle Offerle, Elizabeth (Andrew) Williams, Virginia (Matthew) VanVick , Thomas Offerle, Christy Fuchs, Jeanette Offerle, Dustin Fausnagh Joshua (Jill) Fausnaugh, Annette, Anthony, and Luke Offerle, Alexandria Baker, Samuel (Dani) Baker, Seth (Ana) Baker, and Jonah Baker, and special additions, Andrew Denson,Tessa Derickson , Callie Heynamen, and Rich Brackin, in addition to his great nieces and great nephews.
Calling will be Monday, December 18, from 2-4 p.m. and 5:30-7:30 at FairHaven Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, Dec. 19 at The Chapel at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Parkview Hospice.