Obituary of Donald J. Windhorst

Donald J. Windhorst, 84, passed peacefully on April 11, 2014. He grew up in San Francisco, California. After high school, Don worked for Continental Baking Company. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1954, during the Korean Conflict. He was awarded the National Defense Service and Good Conduct Medals upon his honorable discharge in 1956. Don was immediately assigned to Motorcycle Patrol after joining the California Highway Patrol, East Los Angeles Area in 1957. He logged over 750,000 miles and rode approximately 17 motorcycles throughout his career. He was a Certified Training Officer for 22 years. He also worked Special Protection details for President J. F. Kennedy and Governor Ronald Reagan as well as other dignitaries. Don retired in 1984, after 28 years of service. Don and his wife Estella spent much of his retirement traveling the United States in their RV. They made long-lasting friendships along the way. Don was a member of the American Legion. His pastimes included reading, boating, traveling and playing dominoes. Don is survived by his wife, Estella of 49 years, son Michael Windhorst of Montebello, California; daughter, Lisa (Hugo) Gutierrez of Covina, California; grandchildren: Lauren, Joseph, Joshua, Ashlen, Amber, Michael, Marissa, Melanie, Matthew, Moses & Shane; three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Hilda Windhorst. Don touched many lives and will be remembered as a wonderful and caring husband, father, grandfather, uncle, decorated officer and veteran. Services for Don will be held on Monday, April 21, 2014 at Rose Hills Memorial Park, Memorial Chapel in Whittier, California at 1:00pm. Thoughts and condolences can be sent to Don's family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory