Donald J. Willie

Donald J. Willie, 72, of 381 Salem Avenue, Fond du Lac, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, November 4, 2006, at home. He was born on June 6, 1934, in Fond du Lac, a son of John P. and Blanche L. Mayhew Willie. Donald graduated from Fond du Lac High School. He married Sally J. Matterer in Waukegan, Illinois, on September 17, 1955. Donald and his loving, devoted wife and soul mate, Sally, celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2005.Donald worked at Tecumseh Products for 39 years prior to his retirement. He and his wife also owned a rental property business for many years. Donald loved to work in his garden, and design and work on houses. He loved to travel and visit cansinos. He also bowled for many years and was even crowned “Bowler of the Year” several times. His favorite past time was spending hours and hours with the love of his life, his 6 year old great-granddaughter, Taylor Eileen Svec, who affectionately called him “Bopsie”.He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie No. 270, Fond du Lac, for many years. He is survived by his wife, Sally; two daughters: Pamela (James) Svec, and Penny Mortensen and special friend, Joe, all of Fond du Lac; a son, Donald (Christine) Willie, Jr., of Madison. Don was extremely proud of his children and he loved to spend as much time as he could with all three of them. He is also survived by three grandchildren: Jesse (Sara) Svec, Joshua Svec, and Adam Mortensen; a sister, Kathleen (Kirk) Dille; two sisters-in-law and three brothers-in-law.Donald was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Patrick. A memorial service will be at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2006, at Mach Funeral Chapel, 31 E. Division Street, Fond du Lac, with Rev. David Redman officiating. The family will greet friends and relatives on Saturday at Mach Funeral Chapel from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service.Special thanks to Sister Ann Jude, Judy C NA, and all the staff at St. Agnes Hospice Hope. Also, thanks to Dr. Lambert, Dr. Lundberg, and Kristy on the 5th floor transfusion center, you were dad’s special angel. Thanks to our warm, loving neighbor, Ruth Potratz, and thank you from the bottom of our hearts to Sally’s sisters, Paddy and Mary, for everything.

Donald J. Willie

June 6, 1934 - November 4, 2006