Donald D. Burant

1931 - 2025

Donald D. Burant

October 2, 1931 - January 4, 2025

Donald D. Burant - Donald was born on October 2, 1931 in Stevens Point, WI. He was the son of Michael and Anna (Turzinski) Burant. He was the fifth of seven children. Don graduated from P.J. Jacobs High School in Stevens Point, WI in 1949. A few weeks after high school graduation he enlisted in the United States Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Okinawa. He was assigned to the motor pool where he excelled in auto mechanics. He was a great handy man and could fix just about anything. He proudly served from 1948-1953. After his tour of duty he gratefully used the GI Bill to enroll at UW-Stevens Point. There he met the love of his life, Mary Lucas. They married on July 19,1958 at St. Stephens Catholic Church in Stevens Point WI. He and Mary were blessed with three wonderful daughters, Margie, Jeanne, and Nancy, who made him very proud.

Don became a teacher and first taught in Fond Du Lac before he moved to Racine and taught at S.C. Johnson and E.H. Wadewitz Schools. He then became a Principal at West Ridge and Richards School. His last assignment was Principal of Fratt School in Racine. After he retired in 1990, Don and Mary started an art business. He matted and framed all of Mary's artwork and made it possible for them to enter into art fairs throughout Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Don enjoyed bowling, golf, dart ball, archery and fishing. He was a proud owner of Packer stock and could be found watching the Packers and Brewers whenever they played. He was an avid gardener and he loved reading science fiction. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus for more than 60 years. Don and Mary took advantage of the Elderhostel program which allowed them to travel through the US and Canada. They spent many winters in Indian Shores, FL where he loved to fish. In 2015 Don made his home at Primrose Retirement Community with his wife, Mary. They happily lived there for eight years until Mary passed in 2023.

Those who were lucky enough to know Don, knew that he was a kind, giving and gentle man. He was loved by so many, especially his seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Burant; six siblings and their spouses: Loraine and Ray Armstrong, Bernice and Ralph Eschenbach, Margaret and Leo Adamski, Maryanne and Joe Wozniak, Robert and Charlotte Burant, Elaine and Louis Gard.

Don is survived by his children: Margie (Bob) Milius of Elk River, MN, Jeanne (Doug) Jones of Burnsville, MN, and Nancy (Bob) Margis of Racine, his grandchildren: Jessica (Mac) Matza, Alex Kissner, Katie (Nathan) Panka, Ryan (Ali) Jones, Rachel (JP Dentino) Margis, Jayme (Anh) Pham, Andy Jones and fiance, Taylor Cranfield, great-grandchildren: Ava and Owen Pham, Everett Panka, and Hudson Dentino. He is also survived by his brother and sister in law: John and Shirley Lucas and many nieces and nephews.

We are forever grateful for the loving staff at Primrose Retirement Community and Hospice Alliance. They cared for Don physically, emotionally and spiritually as his Alzheimer's disease slowly progressed.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Don will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025. Visitation from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. with Mass starting at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2201 Northwestern Ave., Racine, WI. Donations preferred to the Alzheimer's Association.

STURINO FUNERAL HOME

3014 NORTHWESTERN AVE.

RACINE, WI 53404

www.sturinofuneralhome.com