Donald J. Deisenroth, 68, of Farmington Hills, passed away Friday, May 29, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born May 5, 1958, in Detroit, Don was the son of Charles and Bernadette (Koenig) Deisenroth. On October 1, 1982, he married the love of his life, Karen Marie McIlroy, at St. William Catholic Church in Walled Lake, and the couple built a life together grounded in faith, family and service.

Don was an electrical engineer by profession and applied his skills across the automotive parts industry for many years. Equally important to him was his commitment to community: he was a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Farmington, worked for the Farmington Family YMCA for 20 years, served as Dad's Club President at Detroit Catholic Central High School and was a member of Moose Lodge of Munising.  Don was a deeply patriotic man who loved his country and held a sincere appreciation for the men and women who serve, and for all veterans who have faithfully served before them.

A devoted husband and hands-on father, Don made his children a top priority. He coached many of his children's' sports teams, served as school chaperones and "lunch dad" at Our Lady of Sorrows school. He was consistently one the first volunteers to show up — whether as coach, chaperone, or tailgate host. He was a father figure to many, offering steady advice with a hefty dose of humor. Don also delighted in sharing his love of cooking with his family; his breakfast sandwiches for the swim team (and tailgate crew) earned near-legendary status.

Don had a soft spot for animals and always had rescue cats in the house. He brought warmth, charisma and generosity to every relationship and provided the missing puzzle piece that fit perfectly into the hearts of those four-legged creatures fortunate enough to know him. Kind, vibrant and devoted, he will be remembered as an adoring husband and father.

Don is survived by his wife of 43 years, Karen Marie Deisenroth; sons, Ryan (Carla) Deisenroth and Jonathan Deisenroth; daughter, Kaitlin (Chris Loftis) Deisenroth; brother, John (Julie) Deisenroth; sisters, Carolyn (the late John) Kress and Linda (David) Plummer and many friends and community members who considered him a guiding presence.

Memorial tributes are suggested to the Michigan Humane Society and the Farmington Family YMCA .

Don's family will receive guests on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 12pm -8 pm, with a 7 pm Rosary at the funeral home.

Don's funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday morning, June 8, 2026, 10 am (in-state 9:30 am) at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 23615 Power Road, Farmington. Click HERE to view the livestream of the mass .

Interment will take place privately at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield.

Please keep the Deisenroth family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.