Donald Degolier

Deerfield- Donald Frank DeGolier, age 88, passed away on Sunday, August 25, 2013 at his home while surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 28, 1924 in Minneapolis, MN, the son of Minnie and Stanley DeGolier. He was blessed with three siblings, Howard, Emmett and Marjorie. Don graduated from Deerfield High School in 1943 and started hauling milk at the age of 17. He married his "Sunshine", Frances Dowel, the love of his life on September 18, 1949. They fully enjoyed their life together, traveled extensively, were active square dancers and polka dancers, and belonged to many different card clubs. Don enjoyed playing golf, bowling, and dartball. He was a member of the Deerfield Volunteer Fire Department and Deerfield Lutheran Church. Don also enjoyed attending church services at Lake Mills Methodist Church. He enjoyed watching all sports, especially NASCAR, Packers and Brewers. Don was always the spark to all family gatherings and enjoyed time spent with them. He was a caregiver all his life. Don has a light so great to the world that now even though he his gone, his light remains. Don's love of family, friends, his Lord and Savior, and life in general was shown throughout his life time. Don is survived and loved dearly by his son, Mitchell (Sharilyn) DeGolier; daughter, Susan (Steven) Neath; five grandchildren, Donnie (Angela) Neath, Sarah (Nathan) Paoli, Holly (Eric) Swain, Lori (Robert) Coehoorn and Stacy DeGolier; three great grandchildren, Jack Mason, Reese Paoli and Bianca Swain, and two more on the way, baby Swain and baby Coehoorn; sister, Marge (William) Peters; his beloved cat, Trigger; and many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Don was blessed to have a wonderful companion to share the last 18 years of his life with, Violet "Daisy" Cholka, and was also loved by this extended family, especially Daisy's sons, David, Michael and Charles; daughter, Laurie; and daughter-in-law, Marcia. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Frances "Sunshine"; a son, James; brothers, Howard and Emmett; his lifelong friend, Arthur Odden; Daisy's son, Daniel; and her daughters-in-law, Barbara and Kathryn. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 30, 2013 at Deerfield Lutheran Church, 206 S. Main Street, Deerfield, with Rev. Larry Sexe officiating. Burial will follow in Deerfield Lutheran Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to a luncheon, following the burial, in the church fellowship hall. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Thursday, August 29, 2013 at Deerfield Lutheran Church, and from 10:00 AM until the time of services Friday at the church. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Pastor Larry Sexe and Pastor Bill McBride, Dr. Bruce, Dr. Manuck, Dr. John Wilson, the wonderful nursing staff of these clinics, the very compassionate staff of Agrace HospiceCare Inc., and caregiver, Wendy, of Country Cares, Pam and everyone at the Deerfield Community Center, Rachel, Rhonda and Julie for their beautiful music, and so many other family, friends and neighbors. Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved and missed and very dear.
Cress Funeral Service
201 Bue Street
Deerfield, WI 53531
(608) 764-5369