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Donald Mainland Obituary
Donald R. Mainland
Dec. 28, 1931 - Nov. 2, 2023
Donald R. Mainland, 91, passed away at home on Thursday, November 2, 2023.
Don was born on December 28, 1931 to Roy and Helen (nee: Olson) Mainland. He was united in marriage to Ruth A. Melter at Atonement Lutheran Church on June 7, 1952. After Donald graduated from Washington Park High School, he went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps. He attended First Baptist Church in Oak Creek.
Don was an entrepreneur, having started many different businesses. He started with Letsch manufacturing, before moving on to start Pioneer Products and Kolar Arms. Don had several lifelong passions, including riding horses, golf, clay target shooting, and cycling. Most of all, Don loved to spend time at home with his family and friends.
He will be missed by his children, Michael (Geri) Mainland, Mary (Peter) Lovdahl, Jeffrey (Rebecca Pettit) Mainland, and Lisa (Keith) Medendorp; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; nephew and niece, family members, and friends.
Don goes on to be reunited with his wife, Ruth; parents, Roy and Helen Mainland; sisters, Marian (Richard) Johnston and Jean (Delbert) Olsen; and infant brother, Robert.
A funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church in Oak Creek, 10550 S Howell Ave, Oak Creek, WI 53154 on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 12 noon. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be held at West Lawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church in Oak Creek, or the Racine and Caledonia K9 division.
The family would like to extend a special and heartfelt thanks to Rebecca and Nancy for their constant care, and to Jenny and Nicki from Compassus Hospice for the care they provided in Don's final moments.
Sturino Funeral Home
3014 Northwestern Ave.
Racine, WI 53404
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Mainland
6 Entries
Andy Kirchmeier
November 28, 2023
Jeff & family,
I just heard about your dad´s passing. I´m so sorry. He was a really nice guy with a very big heart.
David G. Seidel
November 25, 2023
I've known Don for 40 years. Total gentleman. He put his Kolar tubes in the K80 I purchased from him in 1983.
Louise Terry
November 7, 2023
Don was always a very special guy to us ... from the first meeting with him at our shop in Ithaca, NY in late 1981 when the deal was made to transfer KOLAR TUBES to Don and his shop. He carried on the dream that my Dad, Larry Kolar, had and continued to build quite a legacy over the years with his own shotgun design and development.
He and Ruth were both special people and they are now together again in Heaven.
Our sincere condolences to all the Mainland family, and all the best in carrying on the KOLAR name!
CRAIG BORGARDT
November 6, 2023
Knowing Don as a customer/patient at our pharmacy and getting to know him better through hobbies I was always impressed by his integrity and values. He taught me more than I can remember and will always value his friendship.
Dawn Johnson
November 5, 2023
Thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this difficult time. Mr M was a part of my life since I was young. I became part of the Kolar family in 1988 and their adopted Redhead. Mr M was a great Man, Father, Grandpa and Great Grandpa. A true legacy that will be truly missed. Kind, generous, always willing to help those in need. When God made him they broke the mold. Pops I will miss you emensley, but now You will be reunited with the love of your life, Mom. The memories we shared will carry me through the sad days without You. And every time I see cherry slices and peanut brittle it will remind me of you and your famous words Do you have my special candy? Always made me smile. I will miss You more than words can say. Go with God speed.
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