Damian Needham

MIDDLETON - Damian Oscar Needham, of Middleton, passed away peacefully, at the age of 93, on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Parkside Senior Living Home. He passed amongst all of his newest friends, his wonderful Parkside caregivers whom he loved so dearly, along with the specialty care of Brighton Hospice. Prior to his transition to Parkside, he was cared for by several wonderful ladies who we can't thank enough, including his long-time caregiver, Sophia. All of us siblings are also extremely grateful for the attentive care given by our sister, Alice, while he was at Parkside Senior Living.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-and-great-great-grandfather, “Oscar” was born in Plain, Wis., on May 25, 1932, the second youngest child of six to Lawrence and Florence (Feiner) Needham. He attended the former St. Luke’s High School in Plain.

On June 11, 1952, he married the love of his life, Eileen T. Kraemer, and together they raised nine active children. Their home in Middleton was a welcoming haven for family and friends. Oscar was a loyal Oscar Mayer employee for over 40 years and cherished the friendships he maintained long after he left. He was a masterful stainless-steel welder and later, an accomplished electrician. He was especially fond of the company's pig roasts, which he was a big part of. Dad had many interests. He loved gardening, fishing, hunting, laughing with old friends, dancing, singing (Hail, Hail, the Gangs All Here), rooting for his favorite sports teams, reminiscing about the past and ensuring names and memories were kept alive. He also enjoyed making his very own Big O's Vino, which was enjoyed by many, and showing his children and grandchildren the tricks of ALL the trades. Dad had an unwavering pride in fixing anything and everything and was always first in line to help anyone who asked for his help. Mom knew to always make sure he had plenty of junk drawers for his endless amounts of electrical tape and fixer-upper necessities. It is true that all of us grown children can now appreciate his fondness for a spare roll of electrical tape and a few overloaded junk drawers. He was also a long-time member of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Middleton and followed in Mom's footsteps in praying the Rosary as they got older.

We know Dad is back in Mom's heavenly arms, sharing in a long-awaited dance. He was happily married to his beloved wife and best friend for 68 years, prior to Mom's passing in 2021.

He is survived by his nine children, Pat (Doug) Zoerb, Manitowoc, Diane Baird, Burkburnett, Texas, Tom (special friend, Debbie Yapp), Cross Plains, Bill (Charlene), Prairie du Sac, Marjorie, Janesville, Alice (Stuart) Butler, Deforest, Mike, Mauston, Jason (Heather), Cross Plains and Janis (Chris Byl), Darlington; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Kay Needham, Northbrook, Ill. and Janet George, Madison; and numerous nieces and nephews and many treasured friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eileen; parents; five siblings; several sisters-and-brothers-in-law; two daughters-in-law, Sue (Busch) Needham, Cross Plains and Diane (Ryan) Needham, Middleton; three sons-in-law, Bill Call, Wichita Falls, Texas, Gene Baird, Burkburnett, Texas and Stuart Butler, Deforest, Wis.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, with Father Brad Grobbel presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Saturday.
 

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

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761