Donald Everson

McFarland – Donald Dean Everson, age 76, died July 7, 2020 at Nazareth Health and Rehabilitation Center in Stoughton, after a battle with ALS.

Donny was born on March 13, 1944 to Alfred Richard Everson and Phyllis Elaine (Johnson) in Stoughton. He is survived by sister, Barbara (David) Amyotte and a nephew, David Warthman. He was preceded in death by his brothers Richard, Jack and both his parents.

As a youth, he grew meat chickens for local markets, milked cows, harvested hay and worked the tobacco fields and strip house on the family farm in the Town of Dunn. He was a 1962 graduate of Stoughton High School. After one year at Research Products in Madison, Donny worked and lived on the farm until it was sold to Dane County in 2002. Donny was dyslexic, yet his genius showed with his mechanical ability to fix any engine or piece of farm equipment.

After the farm was sold, Donny watched as his childhood home and out-buildings were burned by the McFarland Fire Department as a practice fire. When asked how he felt, he admitted it was sad to watch. Donny loved the farm, which was the subject of a painting by local artist, Steven Kozar. The property is now part of the Dane County Parks.

Donny spent his remaining years at the Homestead in McFarland, yet he found any excuse to drive out to East Dyreson Road. He ended up mowing the lawn at neighboring Black Bridge farm in exchange for unlimited Netflix and a cell phone. He was most happy with something to do such as mowing lawns, raking leaves, and fixing machinery.

Donny was an active member of the McFarland Lutheran Church.

He leaves behind his friends; the Christlieb-Donnelly family of Black Bridge Farm, William J. Brabender, and Judy Clark.

Special thanks to the Village of McFarland Senior Center staff and the ladies of McFarland Lutheran Church who supported Donnie while he was still living at the Homestead.

The burial will take place Friday July 17, 2020 at the Lower McFarland Cemetery at 11am.

Please share your memories of Donny by posting on his Tribute Wall.

Cress Funeral Services

5801 Highway 51, McFarland

(608) 838-0655