Donald Damman

Sun Prairie - Donald Lee Damman, age 82, passed away at Agrace Hospice Care on Sunday, April 27th 2014. Don was born on July 5th, 1931 in Middleton, Wisconsin to Lee and Vera Damman, and was the oldest of 3 children. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, husband, Father, (great) grandfather and loyal friend. Don joined the US Marine Corps at the age of 17 and was deployed to Korea in 1951 where he became a decorated Marine. He was wounded in 1952 and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal. His dedication to the US armed forces continued, as he was a committed VFW member of both post 8483 and 9362. Don incorporated the Marine motto Semper Fidelis, a phrase meaning "Always Faithful" or "Always Loyal" into every aspect of his personal, professional, and family life. Those who had the chance to get to know Don saw him as a man with strong values, unabashed humor, loyal friendships, and a passion for animals and the outdoors. Don spent 26 years driving city bus for Madison Metro Bus Company, bringing his individuality and regard to meet new people with him to work everyday. Riders knew Don on a first name basis, and he knew them. Don was known for decorating his bus for the holidays, even dressing like Santa Clause, handing out candy to commuters. He was a devout Packer and Badger football fan, and you knew it on game day. During games he would belt out the UW school song "If you want to be a Badger." Don was a joker. Even he could not escape the wrath of his own style of wit, making fun of himself whenever an audience was present. His humor came straight from a place of truth, and at the core of how Don thought. Surprisingly, how you thought, without even knowing it. Don had a sense of humor that instinctively dove into your head and reminded you that you actually just thought that ridiculous thought that you just had. "Yeah, he just said that...but hey, we were thinking it." He had an extraordinarily unique and unforgettable vocabulary. None of Don's monologues were complete without a "Good deal", "Wait a minute, wait a minute", or a punctuated "Wow." Don used his hands to build and manipulate everyday items into things that reflected his style and creative, playful mind. The colors yellow, red, white, and blue, flowed through his veins. Everything he bought came as one of those colors or was quickly painted that way. Need directions to Don & Ada's house? Look for the hand-painted, red, white & blue flag mailbox with stars all over it. Don was married to Ada Lou Bell in 1957, and they shared over 50 years together, before her passing in 2007. Ada was Don's rock, and there was no one Don respected and loved more. He took great pride in being called "Grandpa Don", and along with his wife found their 5 children, 6 grandchildren, and great grandchild, to be their legacy and greatest achievement in life. Don is deeply loved and will be missed by all those who shared in his life. The family would like to thank the entire staff of Doctors, nurses, and caregivers at Agrace Hospice Care in Fitchburg, Wisconsin who treated Don and his loved ones with honor, dignity, respect, and loving compassion. Don always said, "We're all part timers. Life is sometimes good and sometimes bad, but it kinda comes with the job ya know."

Thank you Dad. We love you with all of our hearts. - The Five D's

Don is survived by his daughters, Daun (Dave) and Donna (Kevin); sons, David (Lauren), Doug (Gina), Danny; grandchildren, Josh (Nicole), Justin, Shayla, Ashley, Eli, Mose; great grandchild, Lucas; brother Steve; sister Sharon; as well as many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Ada; and his parents, Lee and Vera Damman.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29th 2014 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, where friends may call from 1:00 p.m. until time of service. Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30th at Boscobel Cemetery, Boscobel Wisconsin. A celebration in honor of Don's life and military service will begin immediately following Tuesday's memorial service at the VFW Post 9632, Sun Prairie.

As the Ground Hog would say, "That's the whole ball of wax."