Cottage Grove - Donald Leslie Moran, age 87, of Cottage Grove, passed from this world on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, at Wisconsin Veterans Home in King, Wis. Don was born on Aug. 9, 1934, in the Town of Bloom, Wis., the son of Donald Francis and Ada Nell (Sandmire) Moran.

Donald spent his early years in Gillingham and Richland Center, and in the Bay View area of Milwaukee, Wis. At 18, service in the U.S. Air Force took him to Germany, where he served four years with the 6910th Security Group. His days were spent as a Russian linguist - and his nights, coming of age with gusto.

Honorably discharged in 1956, he returned to Wisconsin and embarked on a long career in the burgeoning telecommunications field. His work took him from Wisconsin to Texas, to Missouri and, finally, in retirement, back to Wisconsin.

A professional salesman and consummate storyteller, he could tell a joke with masterful timing. Particularly fond of “shaggy dog” stories, his greatest delight was to elicit a groan from his audience. His appreciation for the skillful turn of a phrase - or a Scrabble tile - were well known to family and friends.

Don is survived by his beloved wife, Mary (Elliott); daughter, Jeanette Moran, son, Bryan (Rina) Moran; daughters, Suzanne Moran, Laurie (Kevin) Gehrig and Janet (Todd) McCormick; foster daughter, LizAnne (Kirk) Badeau; eight grandchildren, Matthew Newsom, Maureen Newsom, Greg Moran, Erica Moran, Nicole Moran, Molly Grace Hill, Sean Hill and Shelby Gehrig; and three great-grandchildren, Brayden Ferguson, Ian Ferguson and Alana Ferguson. Don also had very special, much-loved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews who filled his heart and his life with love. Don’s humor and wit was so much a part of him, but his personal mantra was, “The best word in the English language is FAMILY.”

Don was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Colleen (Patrick) Muldowney and Kerin Peckham. Don lived a rich and full life. He was predeceased by many dear friends. The welcome party in Heaven is anticipated to be crowded, joyful and loud.

A celebration of life will be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, UW Foundation, U.S. Bank Lockbox 78807, Milwaukee, WI 53278-0807. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Donald Moran

August 09, 1934 - January 17, 2022

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