Donald Franklin Manion
February 14, 1934 - November 22, 2025
Obituary
FITCHBURG - Donald F. Manion, age 91, of Fitchburg, passed away on Saturday, November 22, 2025. He was born on February 14, 1934, in Madison, the son of Harold and Jerona (Washa) Manion.
Don married the love of his life, JoAnn (Kleinheinz) Manion, on June 25, 1960, in Madison and was a proud U.S. Army Veteran. He found great joy in spending time outdoors - especially hunting and fishing. He also loved camping and simply taking in the beauty of nature, often enjoying Sunday drives to sightsee and explore.
A gifted wood crafter, Don was exceptionally skilled in woodworking and carving. He began his career as a cabinet maker and later became a Master Carpenter, guiding and mentoring others in the trade. He generously shared his talents with friends and neighbors, always willing to help with any project. Don served the Fitchburg community as a volunteer firefighter for more than 25 years. He was an avid Packers and Badgers fan.
Family meant everything to him-he treasured time spent together, took pride in his family, and later in life became a devoted caregiver to his wife, JoAnn. Loyal, strong in both body and mind, and blessed with a wonderful sense of humor, he had a way of making others smile.
Donald is survived by his three daughters, Kelly Gjermo, Margie (Mark) Pyron and Susan Stevens; grandchildren, Kirsten (Josh) Lindhurst, Shane Gjermo, Matthew (Heather) Pyron, Logan (Abby) Pyron, John Stevens and Bryn Stevens; and great-grandchildren, Finn, Brooks and Luka. He was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn; and parents, Harold and Jerona.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. ANN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 323 N. Van Buren St., Stoughton, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2025, with Father David Wanish presiding. Burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Saturday.
Memorials may be gifted in Don’s name, in memory of JoAnn, to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Stoughton
Funeral & Cremation Care
1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St.
(608) 873-4590