Donald John Nawratil

CAMBRIDGE - Our much-loved husband, uncle, brother-in-law, and dear friend took the next step in his journey on July 24, 2025. He was born to Charles and Bernice (Kretchen) Nawratil on March 21, 1950, in Chicago, Ill. The family moved to Monona, Wis., when Don was very young. He graduated from Monona Grove High School in 1968.

When Don was in high school, he was a member of several bands in which he played the drums. People who heard him play remarked that he was very good. While his parents appreciated his talent, they didn't appreciate the noise he made practicing in their basement. Through his love of music, he discovered his favorite band, Tower of Power, an R&B funk band out of Oakland, Calif. He could be described as a groupie and saw as many of their concerts as he could. One of his favorite memories was meeting his idol, David Garibaldi (the drummer for TOP) in St. Charles, Ill., where they were performing.

After graduation, Don held a number of jobs, mostly in sales. It was said the man had a “gift of gab,” so he was well suited for the profession. After retiring from sales, he took a part-time job at Lake Ripley Country Club on the grounds crew. He enjoyed being outside, and the free golf perks didn't hurt either.

Don was handsome, extremely charming, warm, funny, kind, gentle, and caring. But he was always up for a little mischief. He, mostly, got away with whatever he did by flashing his signature grin. He loved boating, golf, sports (He was a Chicago Bears fan, but friends and family were able to convert him to support the Packers eventually-sort of).  

He also loved his wife, Victoria. They met in November of 1985 and had 38 beautiful, fun-filled years together. They enjoyed rides in his convertible and camping in northern Wisconsin (where he was always chasing that elusive muskie). They loved to travel, whether it was a cross-country driving trip to San Francisco, up the coast to Seattle, and then back to Madison; staying at a condo on Fort Myers Beach, Fla.; taking an AMTRAK train to New Orleans; flying to Hawaii, or many other jaunts.

Don was not extravagant. He was happiest when he could hang out with friends or just stay at home and enjoy the view of the woods from their deck with Victoria and their various dogs. Don and Victoria loved dogs and had many through the years, but their favorites turned out to be greyhounds. They were proud to have rescued several retired racers.

Don's love of life was celebrated by all who knew and loved him. He was easy to love and hard to lose. He is likely lying on a couch next to some of his dogs and watching a golf tournament.

Don is survived by his wife, Victoria Kwitek; his niece, Krista (Kurt Wismer) Klanderman; his nephew, Erik Hofferber; and his sister-in-law, Martha Nawratil. He also leaves behind many cherished friends and family. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Richard “Dick”.

Special thanks is extended to dear friends: Tom Ingram, Elmer Rohr, George Schaffner and Steve Grinde for their unwavering, loving support. The family would also like to thank Dr. Glenn Liu and his wonderful team at the UW Carbone Cancer Center for their creative and resolute care and the team at Rainbow Hospice, especially his Nurse Case Manager, Abby, for the incredibly gracious care of Don in his final days at home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the UW Cancer Center, Rainbow Hospice of Jefferson County, or Greyhound Pets of America-Wisconsin.

A private party to celebrate his life will be planned later including, perhaps, a martini or two.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420