BORN

1949

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Wenig Funeral Home - Oostburg

108 Center Ave

Oostburg, Wisconsin

Donald Plekenpol Obituary

Plekenpol, Donald L.

Donald Lee Plekenpol, 64, of Irving TX and formerly of Cascade WI, was born into eternal life early in the day on Thursday, September 19, 2013 of an apparent heart attack in his home. Don was born in Sheboygan, WI on March 23, 1949 to Bernice (Stern) and Loyal Plekenpol. Loyal passed away in 1950 when Don was only 13 months old. He welcomed his second father when Bernice married her brother-in-law Norbert Sternitzky in 1972. Don grew up in Cascade and was baptized and confirmed in St. Paul's Lutheran Church. He was in the first class to graduate from the new Cascade Elementary School in 1963 and also the new Plymouth High School in 1967. He was very active in sports, school plays, debate team, and student council and was President of his senior class. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts and was elected to be Lodge Chief in the Boy Scouts Order of the Arrow. In his youth he especially enjoyed the summer times spending many days at his grandparent's Lake Michigan cottage near Oostburg, making new friends along the beach and learning how to build things from Grandpa Lester. After Lester passed away early in 1962 when Don was only 12, more learning and guidance came from other fathers in Cascade and along the Oostburg beach and other relatives.



Don continued his education at Valparaiso University and graduated in 1971. He wanted to fly planes and follow in Loyal's footsteps by being a military pilot. However, lingering high school sports injuries forced him out of the Navy ROTC program. His son Christopher carried the Plekenpol name back into the military as a distinguished Army Captain and Iraq combat company commander. When Don first entered Valparaiso he had told his mother that he planned on becoming a pastor, but things changed along the way. Chris has since carried on Don's original goal by becoming the pastor of the small, but rapidly growing Wells Branch Community Church in Austin, TX.



After graduating from Valparaiso, Don went to work for IBM in New York City, where the New York Jets were one of his early customers. Don was currently employed as Business Development Manager at Usability Sciences Corporation in Irving, TX. For the past sixteen years, he was also president of his own IT consulting company, Webify, Inc. From 1971-1996, he had a very distinguished career with IBM in multiple positions and locations in the USA, Asia and Europe.



He was preceded in his journey to heaven to be with his Lord, by his father Loyal in 1950, his mother Bernice in 2005, his grandparents Irene and Louis Stern & Mabel and Lester Plekenpol and his uncles Dean and Gerald Stern. He is survived by his son Christopher and wife Adrienne, and 5 month old grandson, Austin, who reside in Austin TX; his wife Virginia whom he married in 1997; Chris's mother JoAnne Plekenpol of Trophy Club, TX whom he married in 1975; his stepfather Norbert Sternitzky of Sheboygan, WI; his brother David and wife Arnita of Oostburg, WI; his aunt and uncle June and Gib Sternitzky of Howards Grove, WI; his cousin Mary Sternitzky and special friend Josh Biser of Brooklyn WI; his nephews Jonathan Plekenpol and special friend Kelly Schwanke of Sheboygan WI, Matthew Fillebrown and wife Jessie of Appleton WI, Jason Fillebrown and wife Tina of Sugar Grove, IL and Heath Fillebrown and wife Rachel of Whitewater, WI; and eight young grand nieces and nephews [plus one on the way] and a world full of friends made throughout his life.



He could build or fix anything and loved to do both. He was generous, loyal, and dependable. He was a die-hard American and Republican, and proud of our freedom and liberties. He loved cars [especially his MG's], sports car racing at Road America and attempting to golf! He was a big sports fan and a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan. But the team he loved most was his family. His last visit to Wisconsin was for the 4th of July 2013 and we are so grateful he had a chance to come home to visit us before Jesus called him home. Don will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. He was deeply loved. He was a forceful presence, and the "go-to-guy", he had all the answers. He was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend, co-worker, and on and on.



Cremation has taken place. A beautiful picture and story filled memorial service and visitation was held on September 25 at Irving Bible Church, Irving, TX. Another joyous time of celebrating Don's life will be held on Sat. Nov 2nd at the Wenig Funeral Home, 108 Center Ave, Oostburg, WI 53070 with a memorial service from 11;30 to 12;30, immediately followed by visiting with the family and sharing more stories during a light lunch reception time. The family has requested that donations be sent to Wells Branch Community Church, c/o Pastor Christopher Plekenpol, http://www.wellsbranchchurch.com or to the church of your choice.

For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfuneralhome.com

Published by Sheboygan Press from Oct. 29 to Oct. 30, 2013.
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To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Plekenpol

Sponsored by Chris Plekenpol.

Not sure what to say?





Still thinking about you dad! I love You!

CHRISTOPHER PLEKENPOL

September 18, 2022

Never forgotten and always missed.

Arnita Plekenpol

Family

September 18, 2019

Hey dad!
I love You and still miss you. I cant Wait to see you again when we all hang out with Jesus. You are so great! I love you.
Can you believe you have four grandchildren! All boys! I'm so glad you got to hold Austin! Jett, Titus, and Paxton should have also loved that privilege and all will miss what they never knew. A grandfather who was as fun as you!
Love
Chris

September 18, 2019

Happy Birthday, Don. I miss you and the good ole days at work. You always had an inclusive plan for others. . . the best manager and friend. I know you are resting well.

Rev. Anna Marie Peterson

March 24, 2014

I have been missing seeing Don's post on FB. I am so taken back to learn he has left us much to soon.
We were friends from college and reconnected via FB.

Penny Leupold

March 23, 2014

Dad, I guess I finally have the time to get on here, or the reality of you being gone has hit on your birthday as I tried to figure how to get you a gift . You had every cool gadget known to man most likely before it hit retail shelves. Still not sure how you pulled that off.

Your grandson Austin is starting to walk. You would be so proud. Right now he loves all things round and bouncy. Any ball will do.
He's smart and busy . Very busy. Bored isn't how I would ever describe Austin's short life.
Much like yours.
I always thought the world of you and still do.
You loved me in the way you knew how.
We spent time together working on stuff. The car, the house, whatever book project I had Come up with. You helped me design the Live For More Center and you taught me how to out others first.

I always knew you loved me because you told me and you showed me. You saw me speak at big and small events alike. From the 250,000 in Sioux Falls which you drove to or the small 50 people venues. You were there at all my TV appearances and we had such a crazy time dreaming how we would change the world.

It's your birthday and I know I'm so grateful for your life. I love you and can't wait to tell Austin all about you.

I love you, Dad
Chris

Chris Plekenpol

March 23, 2014

Happy Birthday Dad

Chris Plekenpol

March 23, 2014

Sorry for your loss, Don you were a good friend, someday we will see each other again! "George"

Michael Meyer

January 23, 2014

SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS

KEN LAU

October 30, 2013

I had the pleasure of working with Don in the past, so sad to see him go. May you never know sorrow again

s lehavi

October 16, 2013

To David, Don's Brother, and Don's family. Was doing a search for Mabel, and came across Don's obituary. So sorry to hear of Don's passing: Though I hardly knew him--other than through our few interactions at the Lake Cottage at Oostberg--Don always struck me as a good, kind-hearted soul. I'll never forget the time he, David, and I were down in the trenches during a storm at the Lake Cottage--Idyl-a-whyle (sp?)--sandbagging and trying to reinforce the barrier in front of the large cottage.

Peace to all.

Richard F. Flor, Jr.

Formerly of Whitefish Bay, Wis., and long-time guest at the Plekenpol's cottages, and friend to Mabel through all her years.

Richard Flor

October 1, 2013

What a nice touch. Yeah for modern technology Being able to share with others in time of need and reflection. My prayers continue to be with you all. So glad to spend time on the 4th.

Gayle Guldalian

September 26, 2013

I can't believe he is gone-we will miss him so much.

Arnita Plekenpol

September 26, 2013

Can't believe you are gone.

Arnita Plekenpol

September 26, 2013

So sorry to hear. It was only a few months ago that we were sharing news about our grandchildren. Our sympathy to your family. Lorraine and Bob weitsen.

bob weitsen

September 25, 2013

My prayers for Don my sympathy for Virgina,Chris & his family. David & Arnita, Jon. I only met him once
.but I feel Lucky to have met him.So sorry for your Loss.

Kelly Schwanke

September 25, 2013

Jon Plekenpol

September 25, 2013

I'll miss you Uncle Don.

Jon Plekenpol

September 25, 2013

Really sad news. My wife and I worked with Don at IBM in NY, and want to extend my sympathies to his family. He was a great guy.Gerry and Linda O'Shea

September 24, 2013

You will be missed RIP.

Richard siech

September 24, 2013

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