Resident of Pleasanton

Donald Edward Bischoff passed away peacefully on Monday, September 30, in Pleasanton, CA, surrounded by family and loved ones, at the age of 99.

Don was born on November 25, 1924, in Oakland, CA, the second of four children, to Otto Bischoff and Eldo Griffin. Growing up, he enjoyed playing cards, fishing, hiking, and camping. Don joined a homing pigeons club and participated in pigeon racing. When his mother asked him what he did in school, he replied, “I sat” – Don’s famous wry humor started at a young age! As a child, Don sold the Saturday Evening Post in a hotel lobby and worked at his family’s medical supply store making deliveries on his bike. Don’s incredible work ethic would carry on throughout his life and lead to many successful investments and business ventures.

Don entered the Army Air Corp in 1943 in the midst of WW2. He served as a navigator and first lieutenant for a bombardier group on a B-17 in the Italian Campaign and received medals for good conduct. After the war, Don continued working in the medical supply business. During an office visit, Don met the receptionist, June Elizabeth Jorgensen, and asked her out to coffee. They got married on February 9, 1952, and had four children: Ed, Karen, Janis, and Rusty. Don and June traveled all over the world, vacationed in Hawaii and Palm Springs, and spent alot of time at their beautiful cabin at Lake Tahoe.

Don was an avid golfer, and also enjoyed tennis, fishing, and skiing. Don loved sharing good wine and good food with the people he loved.

Don was a larger-than-life figure and lived his life to the fullest. He was ajoy to be around and will be dearly missed.

Don was predeceased by his parents, his siblings Barbara and Bob, his beloved daughter Janis (who tragically died of cancer in 2002), and his amazing wife June (who passed away one month prior to Don, on August 30, 2024).

Don is survived by his younger brother Dick, his children Ed, Karen, and Rusty, 14 grandchildren (Sandi, Amber, Lisa, Jenifer, Morgan, Courtney, Jeremy, Brittney, Jeffrey, Lauren, Ali, Alan, Kendall, Kristy), and a multitude of great-grandchildren.

The service will be held on October 18 at 2:00 pm at the Chico Cemetery in Chico, CA.