Donald Herrmann

Madison - Donald E. Herrmann, age 84, of Madison, passed away unexpectedly at home on Monday, September 5, 2016. Don was born on July 19, 1932 in Chicago Illinois to William and Antonia Herrmann. When Don was 13, his family moved from Chicago to Minocqua Wisconsin where Don lived until he graduated high school.

Don was united in marriage to his college sweetheart Jean Robertson on June 10, 1953. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, Don taught math at Oconto High School where he also coached football and wrestling. He then moved to Madison to attend graduate school, where he taught on the University of Wisconsin physical education faculty and served as Executive Secretary of the American College of Sports Medicine. During this time, he also worked as a referee for football and wrestling, including Wisconsin state tournaments, Big Ten, and the NCAA National Wrestling Championships. In 1973 Don became Assistant Director at the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association where he worked until retirement. After retirement, Don moved back to Madison and remained active in a variety of civic organizations.

Throughout his life, Don loved athletics. He was a multi-sport athlete in high school and college, coach, referee, and athletic administrator. Don was inducted into the George Martin Wrestling Hall of Fame, the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point Athletic Hall of Fame, the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and the Wisconsin Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame. He also received a Lifetime Service Award from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. In addition, Don served as an elected official in the Town of Hull, and was involved in a variety of civic organizations, including President of his local Kiwanis.

Don was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Jean Herrmann, as well as his parents, William and Antonia Herrmann, and two brothers, Eugene and Robert Herrmann. He is survived by three children, Scott (Mary) Herrmann, Sherri (Len) Pilon, and Susan (Scott) Mindock, as well as 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 5pm to 7pm with a memorial service at 7pm on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, Don had suggested a donation to the Hale Quandt Memorial Scholarship Fund, online at https://give.uwsp.edu/give-now or by mail to 2100 Main Street, Suite 134, Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481.

Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road
Madison, WI 53705
608-238-3434