Donald H Papcke,

MADISON-Donald H. Papcke, “Deerfield Don” age 84, formerly of Whitewater and Deerfield, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 4, 2012, at his home. He was born on Jan. 14, 1928, the son of Henry and Leora Papcke. In his younger years, he was a member of Future Farmers of America and was active in the 4-H fairs. Donald worked for the Walworth County Fair (20 years in the ticket office and 8 years as a gate superintendent). He learned the combining business from his father and operated a Custom Corn Shelling and Hauling Business. Donald married Patricia Hagen in 1960. Donald later worked at Dairy Equipment Company in Madison for 14 years and performed highway maintenance for the Township of Deerfield for nine years. After he retired at the age of 65, he went back to work for Central Ceiling in Deerfield for 9 years. He loved working, mowing lawn, polka dancing, driving nice cars, and having fun. Don enjoyed being a member of the “Hwy W Rock Pickers Association!” Donald was a member of the Utica Nora Trailblazer Snowmobile Club for more than 30 years, serving as president and vice president. It was important to him to be organized and neat (for example-having his girls “put his work tools back where they got them when they were done”. ) Most of all, Don was proud of his wife and raising his three daughters. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; children, Donette (Todd) Zander of Cross Plains, Kristi (Brad) Papcke-Benson of Cottage Grove, and Kendra Papcke of Madison; grandchildren, Joel, Jordan, Travis, Rachel, Christopher, and Mitchell; and brother, Russell Papcke of Whitewater. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Eddie. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 8, 2012, with Tamra Harder presiding. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, May 7, 2012, and also from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service on Tuesday. Memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI. 53711. A special thank you to Dr. Holly Benson and nurse, Nettie at Group Health and Agrace HospiceCare for all their care and support. Cemetery: Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI. 53711. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, May 7, 2012, and also from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service on Tuesday. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 8, 2012, with Tamra Harder presiding.