Donald Meisel
November 17, 1928 - July 22, 2017
Obituary
Madison-Donald R. “Don” Meisel, age 88, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, July 22, 2017, at Heritage Assisted Living in Monona. He was born on Nov. 17, 1928, in Merrimac, the son of George and Grace (Niles) Meisel. Don graduated from Baraboo High School in 1947. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army as a corporal and was a paratrooper stationed in Fort Campbell, K.Y. He married Barbara Jessop on Dec. 2, 1950, in Dubuque, Iowa. Don worked for Oscar Mayer for 45 years, retiring in 1993. He was a longtime member of Lake Edge Lutheran Church and served as usher. Don was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, deer hunting and taking long walks. He also enjoyed golfing, bowling and was a great baseball player. Don was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Everyone will remember Don for his big smile. Don is survived by his children, Vicki (Mark) Ytzen, Sandy (Mike) Housel, Gary (Barbara) Meisel, Donald (Patti) Meisel and Jerry (Phillis) Meisel; 15 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brothers, Alvin Meisel and John Meisel; sister, Audrey Kieffer; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Barbara; brother, George Meisel; father-in-law, Wayne Jessop; and mother-in-law, Ruth Jessop. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 12 noon on Thursday, July 27, 2017. A luncheon will follow the service at the MAPLE TREE SUPPER CLUB, 6010 U.S. 51, McFarland, at 1:30 p.m. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. The family would like to give special thanks to Heritage Assisted Living for their compassionate care, especially Laura, Carly (granddaughter) and Kelly whom he had a special bond with. Thank you also for your excellent care with Don to Megan with Agrace HospiceCare, and to the nurses at Wisconsin Dialysis East. Further thanks to Dave Hanewall and Lori Williams for countless driving trips bringing Don to dialysis.
Events
Visitation
Thu Jul 27, 2017 @ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Service
Thu Jul 27, 2017 @ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of Donald have been shared yet.
Memories
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Cathy LaReau
Other •
My deepest sympathy goes out for this wonderful family. I remember when I first met the Meisels, I was amazed by the closeness of this family, the strength and commitment Don and Barb had for one another, and the deep love and support they extended to those around them. They welcomed and accepted me and my kids into their family unconditionally and made us feel as though we truly belonged there with them. The years of fun cookouts, holidays and family gatherings has given us some of our most treasured memories that we will keep close to our hearts forever. Say hi to Barb and Grandma Jessop for me Don - you are all missed down here. Cathy LaReau
MF
Marnette Voeltz - Badger Honor Flight
Other •
The volunteers, flight team and board of Badger Honor Flight mourn the loss of their hero, Don Meisel. We are thankful for his military service and proud to have served him on his trip to Washington, D.C. on May 18, 2013. Marnette Voeltz -- Badger Honor Flight
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Patti
Other •
You were a GREAT Father-in-law <3
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Deb Thayer Furniss
Other •
Gary , Don & the rest of the Meisel family, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I just heard of your fathers passing, or would have came and shown my condolences in person. Although I only meet your father once, I never forgot his welcoming spirit and a smile to light the whole room. Gary & Don I've known you both for years and have wonderful memories. Please take care of each other thru this terrible loss, you will all need each other to stay the close family you have always been. Many hugs, all my love & sympathy to you at this time. Love Deb Thayer -Furniss
VY
Vicki Ytzen
Other •
Dad, you are still with me every day. You are the best Father that I could ever imagine and more. I miss so much, my heart is heavy. I also know in my heart you are with Mom, so I'm giving you these angel wings because I know your spirit soared to her after your passing. We all love you and Mom very much. Your daughter Vicki.