Donald Armitage
April 25, 1928 - June 24, 2019
Obituary
MIDDLETON-Donald Lee Armitage, age 91, of Middleton, passed away on Monday, June 24, 2019. He was born on April 25, 1928, in Dale, Wis., the son of Harry and Sada (Huse) Armitage. Donald graduated from Hortonville High School in 1946. He married Lois Spitzer on Oct. 7, 1950, in New London, Wis.
Don farmed from 1949 to 1960 and hauled milk from 1956 to 1962, and he had been a Farm Bureau member since 1954. He worked for over 30 years as Field Services Manager for Wisconsin Farm Bureau, retiring in 1990. He then worked as an agriculture representative for Scott Klug from 1990 to 1998. Don also served on the School and Town Boards in Dale. He was an active member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, singing in the choir and serving as a previous Congregational President. He was also a member of the Optimist Club for over 30 years and a past President. Don was a lifelong Cubs fan and an avid golfer.
Donald is survived by his wife, Lois; three daughters, Sandra (James) Allen, Donna (Marty) Gallagher and Paula Richards; brother, Merlin Armitage; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many dear friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughters, Debra and Linda (Jay) Hoover; sisters, Beatrice Armitage, Eleanor Beschta and Olive Beschta; five brothers, Emerson, Harry, Rodney, Calvin and Wesley; and son-in-law, Denton Richards.
A funeral service will be held at OUR REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1701 McKenna Blvd., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2019, with the Rev. Philip Moldenhauer and Ryan Cortright presiding. A luncheon is to follow. A private burial will be held at Dale Union Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.
Memorials may be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation or Wisconsin FFA Foundation.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761
Events
Visitation
Sat Jun 29, 2019 @ 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church • 1701 McKenna Blvd., Madison, WI 53711
Service
Sat Jun 29, 2019 @ 11:00 AM CDT
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church • 1701 McKenna Blvd., Madison, WI 53711
Photos
No photos of Donald have been shared yet.
Memories
RM
Richard Martin
Other •
Our sincere condolences to Lois, Sandy & Family, Donna & Family, and Paula & Family. Don was a great mentor growing up and a challenging golfer! It is sad to loose our loved ones here but a great gain for them in heaven! We will catch up then! Love, Rich & Jean Martin
GH
Glen Hellwig
Other •
I remember Don from my years serving as pastor at Our Redeemer. He was a fine Christian gentleman. I especially remember his support for Christian education. He once said, "I don't have any children in the Christian Elementary School, but I appreciate the blessing to the church and I can and will support it now!" We rejoice that he is now at our Savior's side in heaven!
Pastor Glen and Mrs. Wendy Hellwig
SS
Samuel Skemp
Other •
I worked with Don over the years with Farm Bureau. I was the manager for FS and as an affiliate of Farm Bureau we crossed paths many times. Don was a devoted employee and it was always a pleasure working with him on projects. I always enjoyed visiting with him after he retired when he attended some of the FB functions.
Sam Skemp
RB
Ronald Berman
Other •
Don was a great mentor at the Middleton Optimist Club. We enjoyed talking about service to youth and our community. My condolences.
SK
scott klug
Other •
I am so sad I missed his funeral. I was out of town and didn't know about until too late.. But I am so happy I got to see Don at his 90th birthday. party. He was a great friend and colleague When i was in Congress we'd often drive together to ag events across the District: From dairy breakfasts in Portage to the corn growers' association dinners in Darlington. The entire car ride was often passed with one of his stories and that could be two hours!, or more! There were tales of his pitching prowess in high school, or his political work for the farm bureau. I often told him he could talk bark off a tree. I'll miss him but those stories and his laugh will stick with me forever. God speed Don. Scott Klug
JE
Jerry Edgar
Other •
Condolences. I got to know Don as a Middleton Optimist member for several years. I enjoyed seeing him weekly. Yes, he could tell a story!