Donald R. Wink, 85, La Crosse, formerly of Marshfield, passed away on Sunday, September 24, 2023 at Eagle Crest South in La Crosse.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 6, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Marshfield with visitation from 9:00 am until service time. Rev. Douglas Robertson will officiate. Military rites will be performed at church by American Legion Post 54 – Marshfield. Burial will take place in Hillside Cemetery, Marshfield, on Friday, October 13 at 10:30 am. Rembs Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Don was born in Marshfield, Wisconsin. After attending school in Marshfield and graduating from Marshfield Senior High School in 1956, Don worked at Beseler Stainless Steel before enlisting in the United States Army (1960-1963) where he was stationed in Schwabisch Hall, Germany for 32 months. Upon return to the United States, he met Mary Ann (Kreckler), where they married on May 29, 1965, living their lives on Hemlock Avenue for 47 years.
Don worked initially at Beseler Stainless Steel, and later, at Felker Brothers Corporation, where he spent 31 years. Don was also a member of Sacred Heart Parish, the Knights of Columbus, and the Central Labor Council. He had a passion toward promoting the next generation to skilled labor and advocating apprenticeship programs.
Don enjoyed playing sheepshead with family, spending time with his wife going to the YMCA, helping her plant her favorite flowers, and attending social outings together. Don also liked to get outdoors whenever possible, enjoying hunting and fishing with his friends and family, watching his grandchildren participate in their interests, and attending work events such as old timer’s gatherings with his work friends.
The last 6 years he enjoyed living in Onalaska and La Crosse, Wisconsin living centers, where he was close to family. He made many nice friendships and was cared for by many exceptional human beings at Eagle Crest.
Don has two children, David (Janet) Wink, from Minocqua, Wisconsin, and Eric (Amy) Wink from Holmen, Wisconsin. Don had two grandchildren, Ryan (23), and Andrea (20). Don has one sister, Carol McGraw, from Tacoma, Washington. Don is predeceased by his wife Mary, mother and father, brother Jim, and son Greg.
Special thanks to those many friends and co-workers who provided him memories and great stories for him to share with his family of his journey at work and in leisure.
Memorials can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Condolences may be sent online at www.rembsfh.com.
