Donald Nisius
November 08, 1947 - April 02, 2023
Obituary
It is with great sadness we announce the death of Donald “Butch” Nisius who died unexpectedly after open heart surgery at UW Hospital. Don was born on Nov. 8, 1947, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Donald and Shirley (Steen) Nisius. The family later moved to Madison where Don graduated from La Follette High School in 1966. From there Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served until 1970. Don returned home from Vietnam and began a career as a carpenter with Vogel Bros. Building Company where he worked for 39 years, ending his career in 2009 as superintendent.
Once a Marine, always a Marine was Don until the day he died. If you ever met Don and he knew you were a Marine, he did everything to encourage, guide and support your service. Over the years Don sent tens of thousands of handwritten letters, post cards and gifts to Marines throughout the world, using his VA disability monies to bring a little joy to his fellow Marines.
In 1988 Don reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Linda Swenson, and later that year they were married. Together they lived a life focused on each other and the loved they shared. Don LOVED adventure and so he took his bride on motorcycle trips throughout the United States. It would be hard to miss Don and Linda on their bright yellow motorcycle decked out with Marine emblems.
Don is survived by his wife, Linda, and their blended family of Jim (Barb) Nisius of Stoughton, Rev. Craig (Tammy) Sauk of Eau Claire, Kim Sauk of Cottage Grove, Jeani (Todd) Oppeneer of Stoughton and Tiffany (Matt) Grauvogl of Edgerton; brother, Freddie Lee Nisius of Waterloo, Iowa; and sister, Jeani Nisius of Nashville; 12 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Don also wanted to recognize his niece, Missy, who so lovingly cared for Don’s late brother, Ronnie. Don was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ronnie; in-laws, Boyd and Mona Swenson; and grandson, Henry Sauk.
A celebration of life will be held at DOOR CREEK GOLF COURSE, 4321 Vilas Road, Cottage Grove, Wis., on Saturday, May 6, 2023, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, Don would find great joy if you took a moment to send a handwritten letter to one of our service members to offer them encouragement and support. Remind them they are loved and missed and never underestimate the positive impact of what a simple act of kindness does for those who serve.
Online condolences maybe made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420