Donald W. Conley

Donald W Conley, Jr.
Donnie Conley, aged 75, of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at Wisconsin Rapids Health Services. He was cared for by the kind staff of Health Services and Aspirus Hospice.
Donnie, fondly known as Bongo, was born in Reedsburg, WI, to Donald and Laura (Schreiner) Conley. His family later moved to Waukesha. There, Donnie studied to be a painter and decorator through West Allis Vocational School. He served an apprenticeship and worked with his brother Jim at Conley Painting. Donnie relocated to Wisconsin Rapids in the early 70s where he worked as a construction worker for Sullivans with his brother Mark and as a cross-country trucker. He shared many stories about both adventures. He also owned the Sunrise Bar for several years. Later he went back to his painting profession and was a painter at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point.
Donnie spent 25 years happily married to the love of his life, Susie Conley (Hodge, Hanneman). They loved to travel to Hawaii in their earlier years. That's where Donnie caught the large swordfish which hung prominently in their home for years. Bongo also loved to hunt. He was a deer hunter for many years, often hunting with his relatives in Baraboo. Donnie was also an avid bear hunter and member of the Biron Bear Hunters Club.
Donnie was preceded in death by his beloved wife Susie, his parents, his brother Vaughn Conley, brother James Conley, sister-in-law Ellen Conley, and brother Mark Conley.
He is survived by his stepson, Dusty Hanneman; step granddaughter, Ariana Hanneman; stepdaughter, Bobbi Sue Hanneman (Cody Sabatke); sister, Connie Conley (Tom Kann); and sister Laurie Conley (Tom Irwin). He was a favorite uncle to all his nieces and nephews: Kelly (Jay) Haldeman, Wendy Gillespie (Kenny Brandon), Tammy LaBonne (Wendell Robbins), Paul (Tami) LaBonne, Mary Ellen (Chad) Peot, Karen Conley, James (Lisa) Conley, Kacey (Billy) Fields, Shea (Dewayne) Wilson, Jake (Sarah) Irwin, and Claire Irwin. He is also survived by his beloved dog Sue and his kitties, Marco and Sunny, who have all found loving homes with family.
Special thanks to his friends Tom Brandl and Carl Nelson, and the caring staff at Wausau Aspirus Hospital, Wisconsin Rapids Health Services, and Aspirus Hospice. Per his wishes, no funeral services will be held.
Bongo will be dearly missed by many.