Donald J. Purtell

Donald J. Purtell age 81 died on Monday, July 24, 2023.

He was born in Milwaukee, WI, the son of J Gerald and Frances Purtell. Beloved husband of Marjorie (nee Schultz) who he was united in marriage to on Oct 9, 1976 at St Anthony of Padua Parish in Milwaukee Wi. Father of Regina (Jake) Busch and Catherine (Nick) Weber. Grandfather to Ethan and Addison Weber, and Adain, Mason, and Weston Busch. Brother of William (Patricia) and Neil (Kathy) Purtell and brother-in-law to Robert (Carol) Schultz along with several nieces and nephews.

In 1957, Donald joined the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottine Fathers) making Profession on Sept 8th,1963 and final Profession on Sept. 8th, 1966, as a Religious Brother. He served the Society in various assignments in Elkhorn, Phelps, Madison, and Milwaukee WI. In 1969 Donald left the Society becoming a Law Enforcement Officer with the City of Waukesha Police Department on August 16,1969. He served 30 years as a sworn Officer. He became involved in his departments Local 17 Police Union and was its Union President, Bargaining Chairman, and Grievance Chairman for many years. In 2011 until 2013 Donald returned to the Police Department for Night Parking Enforcement. In 1986, Donald began working part time at First Federal Bank in Waukesha assisting them in various maintenance duties. After retirement from the police department, Donald became more involved with his parish of St Mary’s in Waukesha. He was involved with the parish food pantry, parish picnic, was a Eucharistic Minister, Homebound Eucharistic Minister, Stephan Minister and Hospice Volunteer with Rolland Nelson. Don also spent many years serving most of the funeral Masses at St Mary’s, a Ministry close to his heart. Don enjoyed the many cups of coffee shared with friends at the various coffee shops in town, but especially the early morning men’s group at St Mary’s Parish. Don wishes to thank everyone for your prayers and kindness.

Visitation will take place on Monday, August 7, 2023 from 10:00 am until the 11:30 am funeral Mass at St. Mary Catholic Church, 225 S. Hartwell Ave., Waukesha, WI 53186. Private interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St Mary Catholic Church, to Pallottine Fathers, 5452 W Bluemound Rd Milwaukee, WI 53208 or the Waukesha Police Department, 1901 Delafield St Waukesha, WI 53188 would be appreciated.