Donald R. Eytcheson

Donald R. Eytcheson, M.D., age 93, of South Holland, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. He is survived by his devoted wife, Myrna Eytcheson (nee Ward). Don and Myrna celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary in September. He is also survived by his son, Bryan (Xiaomin), his grandchildren, Nathan (Jade), Collin (Sarah Seebold) and Aidan, his great grandchildren, Carsyn Jesuit and Avery Eytcheson, his sister, Paula Mattson, his sister-in-law, Marie Heimerdinger, M.D., his brother-in-law Dan Ward (Connie), dear nieces and nephews and many lifelong family friends. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Jerry and Ronald Eytcheson, his brother-in-law, Chuck Mattson and his son, Barry Eytcheson.

Don served in the Air Force as a physician and subsequently began private practice in South Holland. He worked his entire career in South Holland and was on staff at Ingalls Memorial Hospital throughout that time. He delivered many babies in the community, and he enjoyed being his own grandsons’ pediatrician before retiring. Don was passionate about classical music, and he was exceptionally proud to support his daughter-in-law, Xiaomin, in her career as a concert pianist. He was also very proud of the home he and Myrna built together on the banks of Thorn Creek, and he enjoyed tending the surrounding property until his very last days. Don and Myrna were world travelers enjoying trips to Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America and fostering a lifelong love of travel for future generations to come.

A memorial service will be held at a later date with details posted here at that time.  Memorial contributions may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association ( www.alz.org ).  Arrangements entrusted to Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane (Rt.30/Pleasant Springs Ln.), Dyer, IN.  For further information, please contact 219-322-7300.