Don Allen Wiedmann
Born: January 2nd, 1980
Died: June 12th, 2018
Obituary
Obituary for Don Allen Wiedman
Don was born in Bakersfield January 2, 1980 to Ted and Sandy Wiedmann. He grew up in Shafter where his family ran Stringham’s Shafter Drug Store, the oldest continuously family owned Drug Store in California until it’s sale in 2005. Growing up Don enjoyed camping, target shooting and four wheeling with his brother, dad, grandpa and uncle. He played football while attending Shafter High School and graduated in 1998. In 2005, Don joined the US Navy and was stationed on the USS Carl Vinson.… He was a proud Navy Veteran. During his time on the Carl Vinson, missions included humanitarian aid to Haiti after the earthquake and a deployment around South America to his new home port in San Diego. On his last deployment, the task force stopped 3 separate pirate attacks on shipping off of the coast of Africa, supported air strikes in Afghanistan and Iraq and Don was on the hanger deck when the Navy Seals brought the body of Osama bin Laden on board for the burial at sea. He was a proud patriot who was honored to serve his country. However, he never forgot his Shafter roots no matter where his Navy career took him.
In December 2006, Don married the love of his life, Alma Samaniego, in Shafter while on holiday leave from the Navy. Don loved to travel with Alma and constantly had ideas for their “next trip”. During his lifetime, Don visited over 30 countries within 4 continents. He had a soft spot for animals and was known to rescue cats. Even during his travels, would stop to pet any friendly cat that came his way. Don was known for his kind heart and honesty. He was adored as “Uncle Donny” by his nieces and nephew and never came to visit empty handed. He always brought treats to share and would often take them on adventures. His faith and belief in Jesus Christ was an inspiration to others.
Don is predeceased by his mother, Sandy Wiedmann, and is survived by his wife, Alma Wiedmann of Glendale; father, Ted and wife, Marti Wiedmann of Bakersfield; brother, Brad and wife, Dania Wiedmann of Bakersfield; sister, Angie (Wiedmann) and husband, David Mack of Shafter.