Donald A. Dunst

1937 - 2025

Donald A. Dunst

February 17, 1937 - January 6, 2025

RACINE - Donald Alvin Dunst, born on February 17, 1937, in Milwaukee, Wis., passed away at his home in Racine on January 6, 2025 at the age of 87. He was the eldest of five children to Alvin Otto Dunst and Loretta Philomene Schraufnagel.

Don proudly served his country as a Lieutenant Junior Grade in the U.S. Navy. Following his military service, he embarked on a distinguished career in banking and nonprofit leadership. He worked as a banker at Equibank in Pittsburgh, Pa., then loan office director at the First National Bank of Washington, Pa., and the Washington (PA) Federal Savings Bank. Don later worked as the executive director of the American Red Cross in Wheeling, W.V. His commitment to community service extended further as he served as president of both the United Way of Washington County, Pa., and the Rotary Club in Wheeling, W.V. He continued serving in the Rotary Club in Racine, Wis., after moving there upon his retirement.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Shirley (Milton) Semon; brother, Leon (Rose) Dunst. Don is survived by his wife of 58 years, Anne (Schaefer); daughter, Debra (Scott) Deschler, of Racine, Wis.; son, Daniel (Maria) Dunst, of Houston, Texas; grandchildren, Michael (17) and Amanda (15) Deschler; and Loretta (16), Cecilia (10), and Damien (three) Dunst. Don is also survived by his brother, Albert (Eileen) Dunst; and sister, Mary (Jack) Steiner, both residing in Michigan.

Don was a lifelong Catholic, growing up at Holy Rosary on Milwaukee's East Side, marrying at St. Jude's in Wauwatosa on January 15, 1966, and raising children at St. Louise de Marillac in Pittsburgh's South Hills. He later went on to be a proud parishioner of St. Michael's in Wheeling, and most recently St. Rita's in Racine.

Don was a master official for U.S. Track & Field, an accomplished boxer, and an occasional golfer. Don loved adventure and travel, seeing Asia in the Navy and vacationing throughout the U.S. and Canada with family. Don also enjoyed watching many sports including Marquette (of which he was an alum) Basketball and Pitt Football of which he was a season ticket holder for 40+ years. Don will be remembered for his Catholic faith, dedication to family, service to others, and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on his community.

Funeral Mass for Donald will be held at St. Rita Parish, 4339 Douglas Avenue on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy. 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wounded Warrior Project or St. Rita's Catholic Church in Racine, Wis., in Donald's honor.