Donald Caan

Donald J. Caan, age 85, longtime owner of Don Caan's Flowers, currently Caan Floral and Greenhouses, passed away Monday morning, July 28, 2014 after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Don was born March 16, 1929 in Sheboygan to Harold and Marie (Strigel) Caan. He attended Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Grade School and was a graduate of Sheboygan North High School, Class of 1947 where he excelled in basketball. He served his country in the US Navy before beginning Don Caan's Flowers. On August 1, 1954 Don married his high school sweetheart, Donna Van Zanten at St. Luke United Methodist Church and together they operated Don Caan's Flowers until 1978. Don then became a sales rep for the John Henry Co. and they moved to Boulder, CO and later Alburquerque, NM before returning to Sheboygan and purchasing Waldheim Nursery in 1984 which later became the present Caan Floral and Greenhouses. Don was a member of St. Luke United Methodist Church, a lifelong member of Sheboygan Elk's Club #299, a member of the Sheboygan Kiwanis Club, and was a Y's Men. Don enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, watching sporting events, golfing, and playing cards. In addition to his loving wife, Donna, Don is survived by three children, Kristine (David) Dirkse, Thomas (Barbara) Caan, and Kathryn (Daniel) Neitzel all of Sheboygan; nine grandchildren, Matthew Parmley, Michael (Anna) Parmley, Jessica Dirkse, Julie Caan, David Caan, Jennifer McDermott, Laura McDermott, Jessica McDermott, and Kyle Neitzel; three great-grandchildren, Alexis Gavin, and Allison and Christopher Parmley; one brother, Robert (JoAnne) Caan of Rancho Cucamonga, CA; and other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Bette (Don) Steinbruecker. A memorial service will be held at 12 Noon on Thursday, July 31, 2014 at St. Luke United Methodist Church. Rev. Ric Olson, Pastor, will officiate. A time of visitation and support will be held at the church from 10:00 am until the time of service. A memorial fund has been established in his name for Alzheimer's Research or the Sheboygan YMCA. Don's Family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the excellent staff at Azura Memory Care in Manitowoc for their kindness and care of Don the past few weeks.