Donald Meicher passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Born on October 8, 1934, in Cross Plains, Wisconsin, Don grew up in Mount Horeb, around the UW-Madison campus, and on Madison’s South Side at Bresland Court with his parents, John and Clara Meicher, and his brother, Greg. He attended Holy Redeemer Catholic Grade School and graduated from Central Madison High School in 1952.

Don met the love of his life, Dyanne Kleiner, on a blind date while ice skating at Tenney Park. That chance meeting began a lifelong love story. They were married on October 26, 1957, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Madison. Their marriage was a true partnership, grounded in teamwork and devotion. In their later years, they cared for each other as they faced diagnoses of dementia. Their marriage remained the foundation of Don’s life and family for nearly 68 years, until Dyanne’s passing in 2025.

Soon after their marriage, Don and Dyanne moved to Monterey, California, where Don was stationed with the 50th Chemical Corps of the U.S. Army. He often shared stories of his Army days with family and friends, including his experience witnessing the detonation of an atomic bomb at Camp Desert Rock, Nevada. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1958 and from the Army Reserve in 1962.

In November 1958, Don and Dyanne returned to Madison and purchased a home in the La Follette High School neighborhood. There, they raised their five children: Kim (Tim) Hallock, Kirk, Keith, Kevin, and Ken (Lynn). His family was the greatest source of pride and joy in his life. He was later blessed with a grandson, Jake (Amy), and a great-granddaughter, Lennon, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins who held a special place in his heart.

Don was a hardworking man who believed in doing whatever was necessary to provide for his family. He developed his strong work ethic at a young age, delivering newspapers and working at the Carl Barnard boathouse on Lake Mendota. He later honed his craft as a cabinetmaker at Erdman and Associates and Creative Woodcrafts before working as a custodian and bus driver for special needs children at the Monona Grove School District.

But perhaps Don’s most important work was the life he built with his family. He taught his children, through both his words and his example, to respect others, work hard, help those in need, and always lead with a loving heart. He had a quiet way of making people feel cared for and accepted. His empathy, kindness, and selfless nature were among the qualities that made him so deeply loved.

Don and Dyanne formed lasting friendships with their neighbors on Spaanem Avenue, where they raised their children, and later at their condominium on McClellan Drive. Their driveway became a place where neighbors and friends gathered, shared stories, laughed, and simply enjoyed one another’s company. Those ordinary moments of everyday life became some of the memories their family will treasure most.

Don’s faith was also a guiding part of his life, and he was proud to be a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. His faith, family, and friendships remained important to him throughout his life.

Family camping trips, traveling throughout the United States, and a good brandy old-fashioned were among Don’s favorite things. He loved being outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying a good game of cribbage, euchre, dirty clubs, solo, or solitaire. For Don, it was never really about the game-it was about the people sitting around the table.

Don spent his final two years at Maplewood Nursing Home in Sauk City, where he was surrounded by compassionate caregivers who treated him with tenderness and respect. His family is deeply grateful to the staff at Maplewood, the Agrace Hospice team-especially Megan-and Dr. Randy Krszjzaniek of SSM Baraboo for the care they provided during his final years.

A private service with family will be held. Memorials may be made to the Maplewood Nursing Home Activities Department, 245 Sycamore Street, Sauk City, WI 53583.

Don’s legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the friends he welcomed, and the countless lives he touched with his kindness, humor, and generous spirit. His family will carry his lessons, stories, laughter, and love with them always.

And, in true Don fashion: “Love you guys.” / “Be careful.”

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com <http://www.gundersonfh.com>.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Don Meicher

October 08, 1934 - September 15, 2026

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