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BORN
1930
DIED
2020
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Donald Droste Obituary
Droste, Donald Leroy
PORTAGE – Donald Leroy Droste, age 90, passed away peacefully at his home in Lewiston Township on Friday, Nov. 20, 2020.
Don was born on Sept. 29, 1930, in Oxford, the son of Ervin and Nellie (Smith) Droste. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a sergeant in the Korean War. From 1947 to 1951, he was a paratrooper in 37 RCT 82nd Airborne. He married Deloris Schultz on March 13, 1954, in Merrimac, Wis. For over 42 years, Don and Deloris owned and operated Droste Trucking Company until Don's retirement in 1991. At that time, Don continued to drive for Skinner Trucking until 2009.
He is survived by his daughter, Koren (Mark) Palecek of Marshfield; son, Dennis (Kristin) Droste of Portage; grandchildren, Brad (Sarah) Droste of Reedsburg, Matthew (Jenna) Palecek of Neenah, Becky (Brent) LaFrenz of Bloomington, Minn., Donna (Jeff) Denny of Anoka, Minn., Lexi Krueger (Alonso Aranda) of Portage and Alyse Krueger of Portage; brother, Robert (Grace) Droste of Pardeeville; eight great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Deloris.
Funeral services will be private with the Rev. Jen Johnson officiating. Private burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Portage Area Veterans Honor Guard.
The family would like to thank the staff and special friends while at Tivoli, as well as Brightstar Care, for their care and support at home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Don's name to the charity of the donor's choice.
Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage (www.pmmfh.com) is assisting the family.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Droste
Sponsored by Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home - Portage.
5 Entries
Michael Pate
November 16, 2025
A great man boss and friend who is greatly missed in this world
Gregg & Josie Steinhaus
November 30, 2020
Our deepest sympathy to your family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers.
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Michael j and Kelly m Pate
November 29, 2020
Please accept our deepest sympathy. Your father was a great man and a good friend and boss.I owe a great deal of my life long success and achievements to the knowledge and experiences I gained from knowing your father. Sincerely Michael j Pate
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Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home - Portage430 West Wisconsin Street, Portage, WI 53901
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