Donald White

Donald White, 93, of Madison WI passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at Home Again Assisted Living in Waunakee.  Don was born March 9, 1929 in Platteville WI son of Dewey and Mabel (Samuelson) White. Don married Janet Kupper (nee Griswold) on June 6, 1958 in Platteville WI. Don is survived by his stepchildren Chris Kupper (Kim) Placitas NM, Abby Kelly of Charlotte NC, son’s Sam White (Celia Klehr) and Robb White of Madison and daughter Julie White (Tom Gritzmacher) of Cottage Grove. Grandchildren Lizzie White of NY, NY, Katie White (Matt Conrad) of Jersey City, NJ, Theo Kupper of San Antonio TX, Aaron Kupper (Emilee) and their children Ellis and Preslee of Zephyrhills FL.  Brother Fred (Margaret) of Pleasant Prairie WI and sister Lois (Curt) Wilkerson of Bowling Green KY. He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings John White (Eileen), Margaret (Don) Dean, Marilyn (Sonne) Idelson , Carol (Arv) Dopp, stepson Mark Kupper of Wauzeka WI and his dear wife Janet on Oct 30, 2005.

Don had a wonderful, full life. He was an “old fellow of the first order,” a steadfast provider and was always there for his family, friends, and neighbors. “What fella ought to do…” He built roads physically and figuratively. He worked for the WI Dept of Transportation as a civil engineer building and maintaining WI highways for 39 years before retiring in 1989. He was a worldwide traveler – returning home from his last big trip to Hawaii with his long-time friend Fred Stepper in time for his 90th birthday party. He was a wonderful friend to many and a fixture in his neighborhood in Orchard Ridge where he designed and built the family home on Barton Rd. in 1963. He cherished being a grandfather and was cherished in return. He was an avid gardener, camper, canoer, hunter, marksman, fisherman, dog owner and he golfed all his life finally hanging up his clubs in 2020. He was a good golfer!

Don, known to many as “The Commander,” enlisted in his hometown Army National Guard unit in Platteville, WI in 1947. He served for 20 years in both the Wisconsin National Guard and the Army Reserve before retiring at the rank of Captain. In 1961 his unit, part of the 32nd Infantry Division , was activated for the Berlin Crisis and spent almost a year training at Ft. Lewis, WA. He was proud and long-time member of the 32nd Brigade Old Boys. He was active with the Legion, Post 151 serving in many capacities through the years including Commander. In 2018, he was thrilled to participate in the WI Badger Honor Flight with daughter Julie by his side.

He lived his final year at Home Again Assisted Living in Waunakee WI where he received the best TLC the staff and his children could lavish on him.  Special thanks go out to the wonderful caregivers and medical staff at Home Again and by Dr Bigham and his nursing staff from UW Atrium Clinic and lastly Agrace Hospice Care.

A celebration of life with full military honors will be held in the near future. In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite animal charity in Don’s name.

Cress Funeral Service

3610 Speedway Rd.

Madison, WI 53705

608-238-3434