Donald Louis Dassler, Sr., 79, of Sheboygan, passed away Thursday, September 23, 2021 at the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice surrounded by his family.
Born July 31, 1942 in Sheboygan, Donald was a son of the late Melvin and Elizabeth Martin Dassler. He attended Sheboygan Central High School and went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1960 to 1964.
Don returned to Sheboygan after military service to raise six children with his first wife. The kids remember riding the city bus with their father, the bus driver, and helping him clean the many apartment buildings that he managed. He was very tidy and insisted the family do Saturday morning chores.
On June 15, 1991, he was lovingly united in marriage to Lisa Ann Barts in Sheboygan. He and Lisa raised two boys together. Don was a landscaper in the area for many years including Greenlawn Memorial Park, Victorian Village, and several apartment complexes. He was a family man who treasured spending time with his wife and kids.
As a grandfather, “Papa Don” was extremely protective. He was so concerned about safety that he couldn’t watch his granddaughter’s swim class – even though mom and dad were in the water with her. Nonetheless, Don was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and camping throughout Wisconsin and Canada with each and every one of his family. Rifle safety was mandatory, especially for the grandchildren. Woodworking was another favorite pastime. Most recently, he and his eldest son took up magnet fishing. Junior dutifully spent the past summer getting wet while retrieving his father’s lost magnets.
Donald Sr. is survived by his wife, Lisa, Sheboygan; his children, Don, Jr. (Debbie), Manitowoc, Dean (Noelle), California, Lance (Julie), Sheboygan, Ty (Missy), Sheboygan, Cody (Samantha), Howards Grove, and Dan “Bam Bam”, Howards Grove; his son-in-laws, Wayne Lueck, West Allis and Robert Winters, Madison; his twelve grandchildren; six great grandchildren; his brother, Larry (Mary Jane), Sheboygan; his sister, Denise (Jay) Verlare, Sheboygan Falls; nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends, and his dog Angel. He really appreciated all of the support and special friendships he made at his home in Riverview Apartments.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Christina Lueck, his son, Troy, his brother, James, his sisters, Shirley Boggess and Joyce Stock, his former wife, Sara Brion, and other dear family members.
Funeral services for Don will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at the Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 1132 Superior Avenue, Sheboygan. Reverend Greg Welton will preside. Family and friends are welcome at the funeral home on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will take place in Lutheran Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his name.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for all of their loving care and support, as well as the Army Veteran who acknowledged Don’s military service with a pinning ceremony and beautiful commemorative quilt.
The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Don’s arrangements.
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