https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/donald-reetz-obituary?id=58054267

Donald Lee Reetz, 53, passed away on March 23, 2025. Don was a founding member, songwriter and leader of the Spokane rock band, the Makers. Known as Donny Maker to most of his fans, he performed hundreds of shows on stages around the world and appeared on dozens of recordings for labels such as Sub Pop, Kill Rock Stars and Estrus. Donny's electrifying stage presence was the epitome of cool, a combination of steely aloofness and brass knuckle menace. Dressed to kill in his sharp vintage suits and sunglasses, his bold and supremely suave style helped elevate the Makers to one of the most entertaining live bands of the 1990s. The band remained active for 15 years.

For nearly 30 years, Don was a prolific artist, creating hundreds of oil and acrylic paintings under the name Don Virgo. Fans of his rough and rowdy music were stunned by his elegant, sophisticated and vibrant artwork. [continues...]

this one hurts. Donny and I hit it off immediately when I was tasked w/ interviewing him for a big article on the Makers. We stayed in touch since then (2018) and he was such a great person to converse with; genius musician; a teddy bear who would beat the shit out of anyone who messed with his friends.

(not trying to plug my own shit, article is very old anyway, just want to share some of Donny's words) https://www.kexp.org/read/2018/10/4/here-comes-trouble-oral-history-25th-anniversary-makers-howl/

Thanks for posting the article. I remember reading it a while ago, but just re-read.

Damn, that sux. RIP. Michael's actual brother too, right? I know they got a lot of shit in the "scene" Pyschopathia Sexualis on but the Fuck You album and Hunger to me are all time classics.

    B.F. McGee-zax

    Ah. Ha. I recall talking to Vic at a show and after I realized who he was I was like "Oh, the guy who sang The Crusher" and he genuinely seemed taken aback some kid knew that he sang on one of the songs.

    Nice article btw. Enjoyed it.

        Such shitty news ... I'd known Donny since the mid-90's when The Makers frequently played the 3B Tavern ...always a super personable guy & yet could dish out an ass-kickin' when required ... R.I.P.

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