Donald J. Heiar Sr

WAUNAKEE-Donald J. Heiar, Sr., age 85, of Waunakee, passed away Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at St. Mary Hospital in Madison. He was born on December 21, 1927, in Bridgeport, the son of Anthony and Caroline (Scheckel) Heiar. Don graduated from Wauzeka High School in 1945. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy and served on the USS Iowa. Don was united in marriage to Mary Lou Bodendein on June 15, 1950 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Lime Ridge. Don owned and operated Freeman Cheese Factory from 1954 until 1966. Then they moved to Richland Center where he began as an account manager for Nelson - Jameson Co. He retired in 1990 and they moved to the Madison area. Don was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma and stage 4 liver cancer while spending the winter in Gulf Shores, Alabama, where he and Mary spent the last 23 winters among their snowbird friends. Don always enjoyed Sunday Packer games with his family. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and also belonged to the Knights of Columbus, Serra Club, and the S.W. Cheesemaker’s Association. Don is survived by his loving wife, Mary Lou; his children, Steve (Bonnie) Heiar, Tim (Anna) Heiar, Kathryn (Mike) Williams, Glenn (Kathy) Heiar and Msgr. Donald J. Heiar, Jr.; seven grandchildren, Sgt. Ryan, Lucas, Lisa, Ross, Casey, Abby and Maggie and a great grandson, Mason. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Bob, sister Rita and a son Russell. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC CHURCH, 209 South Street, Waunakee at 11:30 AM on Monday, April 1, 2013, with Msgr. Donald J. Heiar, Jr. presiding. Burial will be in St. Bernard Cemetery, Middleton at a later date. Visitation will be held on Monday from 9:30 AM until the time of the Mass at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Diocese of Madison Multicultural Center, 1862 Beld Street, Madison, WI 53744 or to St. John the Baptist Catholic School. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the wonderful caring staff of St. Mary's Hospital for the kindness and support given to Don. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Cemetery: Burial will be in St. Bernard Cemetery, Middleton at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Diocese of Madison Multicultural Center, 1862 Beld Street, Madison, WI 53744 or to St. John the Baptist Catholic School. Visitation will be held on Monday from 9:30 AM until the time of the Mass at the church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC CHURCH, 209 South Street, Waunakee at 11:30 AM on Monday, April 1, 2013, with Msgr. Donald J. Heiar, Jr. presiding.