Donald Stachewicz

Donald Stachewicz

November 14, 1948- February 24, 2026

Don Stachewicz was born November 14, 1948 to his parents Emma and Norbert. He was their fourth child and the oldest of twins who did not share the same birthday. His twin brother Ronald was born after midnight on November 15, 1948. They were 2 months early, weighed 4 pounds and spent some time in an incubator at Mt. Sinai Hospital before being allowed to go home. He was baptized at their home in Cudahy on January 16, 1949.

They were a close knit family and he learned to love the outdoors from spending time hunting and fishing with his Dad and his brothers. They spent a lot of time 'up north' enjoying nature. He graduated from Muskego High School in 1967. He and his twin brother followed the military steps of their older brother Dennis but rather than join the Army they enlisted in the Air Force in 1968. They were deployed to Korea after a last minute change of orders which diverted them from Viet Nam.

After Korea, he was stationed at Homestead AFB in south Florida. It was there he met his future wife Bridget.

They married at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Muskego in June of 1972 after he was honorably discharged and she had 1 year left of her nursing education. He then went to work at RTE which built electrical transformers. They later became Cooper Power systems and then Eaton Corp. He held many positions in the shop then worked in research and development where he obtained two patents for his work on amorphous core manufacturing. He became a Senior Service tech for the last 20 years until his retirement.

Don loved anything outdoors. He was a natural athlete and easily picked up new skills. He hunted, fished, played tennis, golf, biked, cross country skied and spent many years white water kayaking. He loved traveling especially by car, camping, drag racing and dogs. He also taught himself how to make wine and was interested in investments. He was truly interested in the world around him.

Don and Bridget had 2 children-Jesse in 1975 and Ann in 1980. He was a fully engaged father and instilled in his children a sense of decency and caring. They often took trips together when Mom was working nights at the hospital and needed to sleep.

He fiercely loved his family. He was so proud of how his children grew up and the adults they became even when facing adversity. Ann married Joe and they blessed him with the great joy of being an Opa to Owen and Cora. He is further survived by his sisters JoAnn Patterson and Darlene (Ron) Sowinski; his brothers Ronald (Ina) Stachewicz and Kenneth Stachewicz, sister-in-law Joann Stachewicz and wonderful nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother Dennis. He was loyal and faithful and caring. He was totally devoted to our well being. He will be sorely missed.

There will be a Time of Gathering on Tuesday, March 31, from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM at PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 17651 W. Small Rd., New Berlin. Memorial Service to follow at 11:00 AM.