Donald Ernest Nachreiner

MIDDLETON - Donald E. Nachreiner, age 88, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, March 10, 2022. Don was born on July 1, 1933, in Plain, Wis., to Ernest and Mary (Ruhland) Nachreiner. Don graduated from Spring Green High School in 1953. He served three years in the U.S. Army followed by completing a five-year sheet metal apprenticeship. In 1964, he purchased American Heating & Air Conditioning in Middleton, which he owned and operated for 33 years.

Don loved to spend time at his cabin-land outside of Plain, hunting, working in the woods, riding around on the tractor, ATV or mower. He loved to go to town to catch up with the locals over a burger and a diet Pepsi. Don loved to golf, and he enjoyed getting out on the course wherever he happened to be during his retirement years. Most people who knew Don well would be looking out for him to stop by in the summer for a delivery of the “fruits” of his labor from the garden he had each year.  

Along with his wife of 60 years, Leone, they enjoyed traveling to various spots in Europe and taking road trips throughout the U.S. In true Wisconsin fashion, going to Badgers basketball and football games or cheering them on from his comfortable chair at home brought Don enjoyment. During his career, Don was a member of the Middleton Optimist Club where he enjoyed the social connections and giving back to the community. He worked tirelessly with his good friends for many years at the Middleton Good Neighbor Fest Chicken Barbeque stand.  

Don’s generous soul and trusting heart influenced how he made decisions throughout his life. His wife and daughters are tremendously proud of everything he accomplished in his life and feel so lucky to have had him as a husband and father. Don will be missed by his friends, former employees and all who knew him.

Don is survived by his wife, Leone; daughters, Sheila, Lynn Acker and Kay (Duane Hammersley); granddaughter, Lela; sister, Arlene; nephew, Tim; and step-grandchildren, Carson (Brittany) Hammersley, Kyle, and Kailey. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Ernest and Mary “Molly”; brother, Louis; and niece, Stephanie.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, with Father Brian Wilk presiding. Family and friends who wish to view the Mass via LIVE STREAM may visit Don’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and click on the live webcast link at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the start of the Mass on Tuesday.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to all the staff at Brighton Hospice for the respect, warmth, and amazing care they gave Don.  Your support was more than we could’ve ever imagined. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761