WAUSAU - Donald “Don” Koschmann was born on Oct. 9, 1922, to Ida and Hans Koschmann in Wausau, Wis. He died peacefully at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg, Wis., on Monday, Dec. 26, 2022.

Don lived to celebrate his 100th birthday. On Oct. 9, 2022, surrounded by his daughters and sons-in-law he ate his favorite foods and lots of cake. He received 120 cards of good wishes.

Don was born, raised, and lived in Wausau until age 96. He worked for 42 years at Employers Insurance of Wausau. He was very active and one of the founding members of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Wausau. He missed his hometown terribly when he moved to an assisted living facility in Verona four years ago.

On April 17, 1948, he married the love of his life, Helyn White. He fell in love with her the day he met her at a Wausau Nature club outing. They were married for 72 years and she preceded him in death four years ago. He and Helyn traveled the world but ultimately loved their winters in Arizona, spending time with friends there and walking in the desert.

Don lived a long and active life. He golfed, was quite a fly fisherman, pursued a hobby of photography, enjoyed a good hike and found working in his yard to be relaxing. Even at age 96, he could be seen on his knees keeping the weeds at bay. But music was his first love. Don sang often in Wausau, including CenterStage, Wausau Insurance Music Society, St. Mark's Lutheran Church choir and the Lutheran chorus. He was known to have a beautiful tenor solo for any special occasion. He especially loved classical music, in particular choral and opera music. He even got to meet Luciano Pavarotti in person.

Don requested a private burial service surrounded by his immediate family at Restlawn Memorial Park in Wausau. He is survived by his daughters, Becky Vaughn (Gary) and Cindy Koschmann (Ed Mason); and sister-in-law, Gloria Koschmann. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helyn; brother, Martin Koschmann; and sister, Myrtle Koschmann.

We thank the compassionate people at Agrace HospiceCare and Cedarhurst Verona for their care. Any memorials in his name may be made to CenterStage, Monks Botanical Gardens or WHRM PBS in Wausau.

We will miss you, dad.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care

2950 Chapel Valley Road

(608) 442-5002

Donald W. Koschmann

October 09, 1922 - December 26, 2022

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