Obit: Wisnewski, Donald J. (1929 - 2015)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Dahlke, Huff, Myszka, Nowicki, Rusch, Speetzen, Wisnewski

----Source: The Record - Review (Abbotsford, WI) 6/17/2015

Wisnewski, Donald J. (18 APR 1929 - 29 JUN 2015)

Donald J. Wisnewski, 86, Edgar died at his home on Monday, June 29, 2015 under the care of Ministry Home Care Hospice, surrounded by his wife, son, and sister.

He was born April 18, 1929 in Poniatowski, son of the late Joseph and Regina (Myszka) Wisnewski. On May 29, 1954 he married Jean Rusch at Holy Family Catholic Church, Poniatowski. She survives.

Donald spent 29 years working as a mail sorter for the United States Postal Service and also spent time working as a brick and block mason and farming. Some of his favorite pastimes included, fishing, card playing, cross word puzzles, berry picking, watching the Brewers and Green Bay Packers and taking an occasional trip to the casino. Donald was an avid historian on WWII and the Korean War. Above all else, Donald enjoyed spending time with his wife and family, and particularly enjoyed spending time with and spoiling his great-grandchildren: Braeden, Caleb, Blake, and Ginny.

Donald proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, and was awarded The Combat Infantryman's Badge (1st Award) and the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat, near Chorwon North Korea, during the Battle for "Old Baldy", while a member of Company E, 38th Regimental Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. Donald's additional awards included the Korean Service Ribbon with 3 Campaign Stars; The United Nations Service Medal; and the Army Commendation Medal.

Donald left the Army as a Sergeant First Class, having turned down a battlefield promotion to 2nd Lieutenant, saying, "I just want to do my time and go home!" One of Donald's most treasured experiences was when he visited the Korean War Memorial as part of the Honor Flight. Pictures and memorabilia from the Honor Flight, adorned his living room, and were an almost daily subject of conversation. He simply couldn't get over the appreciation shown by so many, all these years after the fact, and by complete strangers from around the world, nonetheless. He was, as is his family, eternally grateful to Jim Campbell, Mike Thompson and all the volunteers of the Honor Flight organization that make it the success it is. You made an old soldier feel very appreciated and happy. Thank you, one and all!

His love of country and "Old Glory", as he referred to the US Flag, remained unwavering until the time of his death. As a sign of honor to Donald, and all Veterans, please remember to show the proper courtesy, the next time you see a US Flag pass by, or hear the National Anthem played.

Survivors include his wife, Jean Wisnewski, Edgar, a son, Lyonel Wisnewski, Edgar, three grandchildren, Seth Dahlke, Erin (Brent) Speetzen and Anthony J. Wisnewski, four great grandchildren, two brothers, Norbert Wisniewski, Racine, Marvin Wisnewski, Stratford and one sister, Lorraine Nowicki, Athens. Donald is further survived by his son-in-law, Dennis Dahlke, Edgar and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a son, Darrell, and a daughter, Brenda Dahlke, his siblings, Ervin, Edmund, his mother and father-in-law, Loma and Norman Rusch, one brother-in-law, Robert Nowicki and one sister-in-law, Ruth Wisnewski.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 2, 2015 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Poniatowski. Rev. Thomas Huff will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar and again on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the times of services at the church. There will be a parish rosary service at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday evening at the Edgar funeral home.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com  .