VERONA - Donald Mayer, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg, Wis., at the age of 81 on Sept. 25, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born and raised in Shawano, Wis., Don’s life was a testament to hard work, love, and dedication to family.

Don was born to Jeannette and Irwin Mayer and spent his early years in Shawano, where he developed a deep love for sports and a strong work ethic while working at the local cheese factory. Though his father passed away when Don was just 12, he found solace and strength in the close-knit community around him, including his older brother, Gary, and younger sister, Kay. Known affectionately as "Donnie" in his youth, he was remembered as a great student, a good athlete, and, by his family’s admission, a terrible dancer during his time at Shawano High School.

It was in Shawano where Don found his greatest joy the love of his life, Karen Braatz. The two met in high school and quickly became inseparable. Their love story spanned over 60 beautiful years of marriage, a bond that only grew stronger with time. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Accounting and Business, Don and Karen started their young adult married lives in Madison, Wis., where Don and Karen became the proud parents of two wonderful children, Lisa and Michael. His sense of humor, kind smile, warmth, and devotion to his family shone brightly during countless family gatherings filled with laughter, sporting events, card games, and treasured moments. A lifelong Wisconsin Badgers fan, Don’s love for his alma mater took him on unforgettable journeys, including a trip to see the Badgers with his wife to win the Rose Bowl.

The young family eventually settled in Neenah, Wisconsin, where Don embarked on a successful career as an accountant and controller at Banta Corporation in Menasha.

As his grandchildren, Elizabeth, Will, Marley, Anna, James, and Beck, came into his life, Don fully embraced his role as "Gpa." He was their biggest fan, attending every football game, dance recital, soccer match, hockey game and skiing event with enthusiasm. No matter the event, be it a school event or a championship game, Gpa was always there, supporting his grandkids with pride and joy.

In retirement, Don found joy in life’s simpler pleasures: socializing with friends, a nice cocktail, bonfires, working in his yard, many crossword puzzles, driving a boat full of family members at the lake, volunteering in his community, and taking long walks while meticulously counting his steps, a habit fitting for a man who had spent his career working with numbers. However, above all else, family remained Don's number one priority. His love for his wife, Karen, was unwavering, and their bond remained a source of strength and inspiration for everyone around them.

Don is survived by his devoted wife, Karen; his loving children, Lisa and Michael; his cherished grandchildren, Elizabeth (Tim), Will (Taylor), Marley, Anna, James, and Beck; son-in-law, Tom Ibinger and his sons Ben, Alex and family; daughter-in-law, Suzy; his sister, Kay Mitchell and husband Tommy; his sisters-in-law, Mary, Gayle, and Linda; and brothers-in-law, Dick (Judy) and Gary (Tracy). He was preceded in death by his brother, Gary (Mary Beth); his parents, Jeannette and Irwin; and brothers-in-law, Paul Gueths, Bruce Soufal, Mike Braatz, and Jim Braatz

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, with the Rev. Jeffrey Quinto presiding. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 2 p.m. until the time of the service. It’s game day! Please wear your best Badger Red to the celebration. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Agrace HospiceCare, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Ronald McDonald House Charities, Madison.

Donald Mayer's legacy of love, loyalty, hard work and laughter will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him. His life was a beautiful example of what it means to be truly dedicated to family, and he will be deeply missed but fondly remembered.

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

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

Donald A Mayer

November 08, 1942 - September 25, 2024

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