Donald J. "Donnie" Bahl

LANCASTER – Donald J. “Donnie” Bahl, age 87 of Lancaster, passed away Thursday, March 23, 2023, at Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster. He was born July 14, 1935, the son of Leo and Agnes (Schwendinger) Bahl. Donnie graduated from St. Clement Grade School and attended Lancaster High School. He was united in marriage to Ruth C. Dressler on July 17, 1954, at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster. After their marriage they lived in Madison, where Donnie worked at Oscar Meyer Company. Donnie and Ruth moved back from Madison and together they owned and operated Bahl Farms at Five Points, rural Lancaster. He truly enjoyed his career as a farmer. Donnie was a member of St. Clement Catholic Church, serving as an usher and on parish council. He was also a member of Bloomington Co-op and Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board. Donnie enjoyed snowmobiling, tractor pulls, UTV rides, playing cards, and traveling. They loved spending their winters in Weslaco, Texas. Donnie enjoyed attending his children and grandchildren’s sports and school events. He had a quick wit and great sense of humor. Donnie will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Surviving is his loving wife of 68 years, Ruth; a daughter, Linda (Ron) McKelvey; three sons: Dave (Nancy), Bill (Sharon) and Jeff (Amy) Bahl; 13 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; a sister, Janice Neift; a sister-in-law, Sharon Bahl; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Donnie was preceded in death by a great-grandson, Andrew Bahl; a brother, Kenneth “Kenny” Bahl; a brother-in-law, William “Bill” Neift; and a sister-in-law, Pat (Larry) Blessner.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster, with Fr. William Vernon officiating. Burial will be in St. Clement Cemetery. Family and friends may call on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and on Wednesday, from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Martin Schwartz Funeral Homes & Crematory in Lancaster is assisting the family.