Donald "Wally" Waldschmidt

Donald Ambrose Waldschmidt, known by all as Wally, died at the age of 75 at home surrounded by his family on March 9, 2024. Wally was born in Fond du Lac on February 15, 1949 to Clarence and Alexia Waldschmidt. He graduated from Goodrich High School in 1967. In 1972, he married his wife of 52 years Christine Perrizo.
Wally spent the early years of his life serving in the Army Reserves as a drill instructor. He was employed at Mercury Marie before beginning his long and successful career in the tavern industry. In 1981, Shakey Jake's was opened and the list of "Wally's taverns" began to grow. He owned and operated Shakey Jake's, Thatcher's, Rascals, Players, Badger's Den, Alcatraz, Shakey Jake's East, Molly's Pub (LeRoy), and others.
While his life centered around paving a path in the tavern industry, Wally took great pride in owning and operating Gilmores Liquor Store and co-owning J&D Sales and Service (Suzuki).
Wally is survived by his wife Christine; daughter Heidi Waldschmidt (Eric Dobry) and grandchildren Noah (Desirea Giese), Lexy (Henry Paye), and Landon Waldschmidt; daughter Molly Waldschmidt Jaster (Tim Chicker) and grandchildren Tate and Tillie Jaster; brother Robert (Jan) Waldschmidt; sister-in-law Holly Waldschmidt; in-laws Joe and Judy Perrizo, Paul and Mary (Perrizo) Demet, Richard Redman; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Alexia Waldschmidt; in-laws Edward and Agnes (Promen) Perrizo; brother James Waldschmidt; sisters-in-law Agnes (Perrizo) Reinhold and Therese (Perrizo) Redman; nephew James Redman.
Wally is survived by many loyal friends - especially his dice group and lunch buddies - who supported him through thick and thin. Most will remember his laugh-inducing jokes, expert level skill in Liar's Dice, love for Oasis, and trademark Lucky Strike. Throughout his life, Wally created countless memories with the many important people in his life, including at the campgrounds outside of Greshman that he owned with friends. A final special memory was when Wally was honored at a surprise 75th birthday celebration on February 15, 2024.
Wally will be happy to be reunited with his guard dog Emmie who he loved deeply.
A visitation will take place on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 E Division St, in Fond du Lac from 10:30 AM to 12:45 PM. A Liturgy of the Word will follow visitation at 1:00 PM. Cremation has taken place. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.