Donald Wayne Oneson, age 82, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 9 th at Azura Memory
Care of Sheboygan Wisconsin.
Don was born in Sheboygan on June 2, 1939 to Howard & Evelyn (Beard) Oneson. He would spend his
summers in Fish Creek and Ephraim working odd jobs for relatives in the area. He was proud to boast
his great grandfather helped build the first Moravian church located in Ephraim Wi.
He graduated from Central High school in 1958. After high school, Don enlisted in the Navy and was
stationed in Norfolk VA, Charleston SC & Groton CT. He served in Vietnam and traveled the world
during his time in the service. In December 1971, Don was awarded the Navy Commendation medal for
saving a young boys life from drowning in Little Creek Va. He served in the navy for 20 years working as
a recruiter in Marquette Mi & Sheboygan Wi.
On March 27 th, 1980 he was united in marriage to Susan (Sus) Dortman whom he met on a blind date.
The couple decided seven children, six of them teenagers, was more than plenty. While working as an
electrician for the Sheboygan area school system and later Lakeland College Don attended college at
LTC. Through his dedication and hard work, Don received his Associates Degree in Management at the
ripe old age of 45.
Don worked for Kohler as powerhouse supervisor for 18 years. Although retired at 62, he continued to
work for Kohler until the age of 80, whenever needed. Even today, hidden cigars are occasionally found
in the powerhouse where Don strategically placed them. He had an insatiable love for staying busy and
could be found doing odd jobs for his children until his death. He also loved to volunteer his time to
both Memorial and St Nicholas Hospitals.
Don loved family, the Green Bay Packers, houses, cars and animals, in that order. Throughout the years
he and Sus owned ten homes and many vehicles including their prized 1955 aqua Ford T Bird winning
many awards. Together they owned and operated Susie’s G-O-O-D Stuff restaurant on South 8 th and
Wilson for 8 years. Each time the kids heard about another house they would run for the hills.
Exercise was an important part of Don’s daily ritual. He especially loved long walks with his wife and
dogs, lifting weights and swimming. His commitment to exercise continued late into his life.
Don is survived by his wife Susan (Sus) of 41 years; his children John (Becky) Oneson, Penny (Ken) DoBas;
his stepchildren Donna (Bob) Hencik, Diana Dortman, Davey Dortman and Duane Dortman. His
grandchildren Donald Oneson II; step grandchildren Kelly (Buck) Schulz, Kristina (Blake) Graham, Hailey
DoBas, Amanda DoBas, Nick (April) DoBas, Jasmine Sneen, Johnny Sneen & Dylan Dortman. He is
further survived by many great grandchildren.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Donna Lynn Oneson, a son Peter Oneson and his
first wife Mary Louise (Ertel) Oneson.
Don’s celebration of Life will take place on Thursday, November 18th at Generations, 1500 Douglas
Drive Plymouth, Wisconsin, 53073 between the hours of 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. concluding with Military Rites.
A private family gathering will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the following organizations are greatly appreciated: Alzheimer’s
Association Wisconsin Chapter, Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice or the Sheboygan Humane
Society.
The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family. For online condolences, please
visit www.suchonfh.com.
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