Donald Bruce Chadima Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Obituary for Donald Bruce Chadima August 11, 1926 - September 17, 2020 Donald Bruce Chadima, a gentleman who warmed hearts with his smile and gave kind greetings to every person he met, whether it was a grocery store clerk or his closest friend, died on Thursday September 17, 2020. He died peacefully of natural causes at the age of 94 surrounded by his children Donald Clayton Chadima and Loren Elaine Chadima and his loving caregivers. Even in his last days his positive attitude, smile, and sense of humor brightened everyone’s days. Born August 11, 1926, and raised in Cedar Rapids Iowa. Don was the son of Bernadine (Shanor) and Lester Chadima owners of the family business: Hubbard Ice. He shared fond memories of his now deceased brothers Bill (William) Chadima and Bob (Robert) Chadima. To best describe their relationship he said, “One birthday Bill gave me a Louis Armstrong record and Bob gave me a record of classical music and I loved them both.” Don went to military high school in Minnesota and Coe College in Cedar Rapids. In January 1945 he joined the Army and spent a year in Korea at the 38th Parallel as a Sergeant in the Public Health and Welfare Section. He received several medals including a Good Conduct Medal. Even in his last days he shared fond memories of serving in Korea. In 1950 he moved to San Francisco and wrote copy for several advertising firms. An entrepreneur before it was cool, Don ran his own advertising firm, Castleman and Chadima, for over 40 years. He married and raised two children. After divorcing, he moved to Emeryville, California where he lived until 2007 when he moved to San Diego, California to be near his children and grandchildren. He surrounded himself with friends and developed a great skill and love of cooking. He loved old movies, American history, good restaurants and the theatre. He had an eclectic taste in music and was always up for a local adventure with his children and friends. In retirement, one of his great joys was reading to elementary children in at-risk schools. There will be an online zoom memorial for friends and relatives, as well as, a military funeral at Miramar National Cemetery. To be invited, email his daughter, Loren at lecdirect@sbcglobal.net. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his honor to his grandchildren’s college fund:https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/DChadMemorialFund There is no better charity for Don, than his grandchildren’s education. Don’s children would love your thoughts and comments on his Tribute Wall. Please go to: AztlanMortuary@hotmail.com

Donald Bruce Chadima

August 11, 1926 - September 17, 2020

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information