Donald Francis Martzahl

Donald Francis "Mush" Martzahl, 92, of Hortonville, passed away Friday, April 11, 2025 surrounded by family. Mush was born on January 19, 1933 in Kaukauna, WI to the late Herbert and Agnes (Powell) Martzahl.
Mush served in the Air Force as a B-29 tail gunner in the Korean War. After 4 years of service, he joined Local 1056 Millwrights and was a member for over 50 years. During this time, Mush owned and operated the El Chairo Club in Hortonville. He was actively involved with the American Legion and held several leadership positions. He also was a lifetime member of the VFW and served on the Hortonville Village Board.
On November 14, 1986, he married Shirley Martzahl, who preceded him in death on November 17, 2024. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, playing golf, and cheering on the Brewers, Packers, and Notre Dame football team. He was especially proud to participate in the Old Glory Honor Flight to visit the Korean War Memorial with his veteran son, Wade. He will always be remembered for his warm and fuzzy teddy bear personality.
He is survived by his children: Calvin Martzahl, Bradley "BJ" (Dawn) Martzahl, Gregory "Spunk" (Carmen) Martzahl, Troy "Whip" Martzahl, Wade (Judy) Martzahl; his grandchildren: Travis (Cassie) Martzahl, Josh Martzahl, Brandon Martzahl, Lexi Martzahl, Amanda Martzahl, Jessica (Susie) Martzahl, Rachel (Sara) Martzahl, Cam (Bobbi Obermeier) Martzahl, Mackenzie (Mason) Opperman and great-grandchildren: Trevan, Mara, Bella, Hailie, Remi, Wyatt Martzahl and Haven Hishmeh.
He is further survived by 8 step children: Julie (Mark) Warning, Lori (Gary) Heiting, Sherry (Joel) Murphy, Terry Bork, Rick Bork, Troy (Melanie Chally) Bork, Brad (Karen) Bork, and Tom (Linda) Bork; step-grandchildren: Rachel (Nick) Locy, Rob (Christine) Warning, Nicholas (Karen) Heiting, Danielle (Eric) Dresang, Stephanie (Dan) Hinz, Tyler (Brienne) Murphy, Devon Bork, Kelsey (Matt Bittinger) Bork, Amanda Bork, Brandon (Kaitlyn) Bork, Carly (Jake Guyette) Bork, Kyle Bork, Eric Bork, Stephanie Peterson, and Dylan Bork and 19 step-great-grandchildren. Mush is also survived by siblings: Judy Pahl, Norma (Dennis) Van Elzen, Sue Schroeder, Jean (Jerry) Bauman, Phillip "Fuzzy" (Becky) Martzahl and special nephews: Steve (Jane) Martzahl and Ron Martzahl.
He is preceded in death by siblings: Earnest (Joy) Martzahl, Leo (Sally) Martzahl, Melvin (Diane Johanek) Martzahl, Rita (Gerald) Buchberger, Laverne Bowers, Nancy Dietz, Bruce Martzahl, Myron Martzahl and Bud Martzahl, brother-in-laws: Ed Pahl and Harry Schroeder, and the mother of his children, Lois Martzahl.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff at Hortonville Care Partners and Moments Hospice. There will be a Celebration of Life for both Mush and Shirley held at Damn Yankees in Hortonville on Sunday, April 27th, from 1pm-4pm.