Donald “Don” Findling

Donald “Don” Findling ’50, age 95, passed away July 7, 2020.

A lifelong resident of Valparaiso, Don graduated from Valparaiso High School in 1943 as valedictorian and served three years in World War II in both Europe and Japan, achieving the rank of army staff sergeant. He transferred to Valparaiso University in 1947 and competed on the Valpo football team for three seasons.

After playing center in 1947 and 1948, Don transitioned to the quarterback position for the 1949 season. He was a two-way player, also playing linebacker on defense, and received All-American Football honors in 1947.

After graduating from Valpo with degrees in business and economics, Don received a letter from the Cleveland Rams offering him a tryout; instead, he began his career as an accountant for a farm equipment dealer in Valpo. After 14 years there, he returned to the University, where he worked for 26 years before retiring as chief accountant.