Donald R. Whitesell, 88, of Siren, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on June 20th, 2018 with his family by his side at Frederic Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Frederic, WI.
Don was born February 20, 1930 in Minneapolis, MN. He was drafted in the Army and served in the Korean War. After returning home, he met and married Lorraine Luadtke on June 20, 1953. They were married 65 years and had four children: Linda, Debra, Guy and Nancy.
Don worked for the Minneapolis Gas Company (Excel Energy) as a heavy equipment operator until retirement.
His best times were those spent with his family and out in nature. In his earlier years he enjoyed hunting and fishing, family camping and road trips, agate hunting and times at the cabin. He built the family cabin and also the home he and Lorraine shared in Siren, including beautiful stone fireplaces for his home, cabin and maple syrup cooker.
Don really loved music. He was a self-taught concertina and harmonica player. For many years you would find him at the 25 mile marker of Grandma’s Marathon playing concertina to encourage all the participants nearing the finish. Don also completed many marathons and half marathons himself. He and Lorraine also spent many years dancing at polka fests and attending bluegrass festivals. Winters were spent cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Don will always be remembered for his love of family, music, the family dogs and wildlife. He was a loving husband and father and will be greatly missed.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Emma Whitesell; sister, Lois Shimek; and brother, Harry Whitesell.
He is survived by his wife, Lorraine; their four children, Linda (Mike) Frank of Hudson, WI, Debra Mikkelson of Siren, Guy Whitesell of Cedar, MN and Nancy Whitesell of Siren; also survived by grandchildren, Jessica Pearson, Amber (Matt) Anderson, and Megan (Jason) Kennedy; great-grandchildren, Eli Anderson, Nash Anderson, and Finley Kennedy; and many nieces and nephews.
A private gathering of the immediate family will be held to honor Don.
Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home in Frederic, 715-327-4475 and the Northwest Wisconsin Cremation Center in Milltown,
www.wicremationcenter.com .
