Obituary: Donald William Noltner

by Jim Dittmann
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Donald William Noltner, 82, of Beaver Dam passed away on Friday, March 6, 2015 surrounded by love at the Ashley’s Home in Beaver Dam, WI.

Don is survived by his sons Jeff and John (Karen), grandson Jordan and granddaughter Brenna, Don’s sister Karen (Philip) Luck and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his wife Eunice, parents Joseph and Lucille (Taylor) Noltner. His sister JoAnn Hendricks and brother-in-law Robert Hendricks. His brother and sister in laws Phyllis and John Bellile.

Born in Madison, WI October 1, 1932, he served in the US Navy aboard a P2V Maritime patrol aircraft. He received his bachelors degree from UW-River Falls and a masters degree in human services from UW-Madison. He served for decades as the director of Dodge County Social Services and retired in 1995.

Don met Eunice Kankelfitz while canning summer peas in Sun Prairie, WI. They were married August 9, 1958 and raised their family in Beaver Dam, in a small rambler they paid the deposit on by painting it themselves.

Together they taught their sons a love of travel, strong faith, the importance of a caring community, and how to leave a place better than you found it.

Don visited every National Park in the country, carved beautiful wood ducks, and fished every corner of Ham Lake in Burnett County for over half a century.

Many thanks everyone who helped offer Don and his family support and care in the final months of his journey, including friends, family, and neighbors, the staff at Hillside Hospice, the staff at the Charleston House, David Genn, and the staff at the Ashley’s Home, where he ended his days in loving care.

A funeral service will be held at his church, St. Stephen’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2015 with the Rev. Seth Dorn officiating.  A visitation will also be held on Friday from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. at the church.  Immediately following the funeral at the church, military honors will be conducted by the John E. Miller American Legion Post 146 of Beaver Dam.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Beaver Dam Area Orchestra, an organization he loved and supported. He served on their board for years. Memorials can be sent to P.O. box 431 Beaver Dam, WI 53916. Make the checks out to Beaver Dam Area Orchestra and write “Noltner” in the memo line of the check.

Koepsell-Murray Funeral and Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is serving the family.  Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com 

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