Donald R. Wanner

Donald Wanner, age 89, of Mountain, WI, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at The Memory Care Cottages in Oconto Falls. He was born on May 4, 1936, in Mountain, the son of Phillip and Alice Wanner. Don made up his mind that farming wasn't his bag, especially milking cows. He began trucking for Schuettpelz Cheese Factory in Breed picking up milk at local farms where the milk cans were heavier than him. Then he drove a short time for Gordon Tousey Logging to the mill in Oconto Falls where they were uncertain he weighed enough to push the breaks of the truck going down the big hill. He then moved to Milwaukee and had a long and dedicated career with Continental Baking Company from which he retired. In his later years, he found solace in listening to and recording countless hours of polka and country-western music.

On April 13, 1985, he married Judith Losse in Townsend, and together they built a life grounded in love, and family. His deep faith sustained him throughout his life, giving him strength and peace.

Don was a loving husband and devoted father who cherished every moment with his grandchildren. He had a remarkable gift for making everyone around him feel loved, whether through his warm smile and laughter, his playful sense of humor and flirtation, a listening ear, or the many family gatherings he so enjoyed. He built such a close friendship with so many, loved to tease the women, especially his nieces (told each one they were his favorite). He loved sitting on the aisle seat at church so he could shake hands with everyone and an occasional kiss on the cheek. Oh yeah…let's not forget that the food line

Don found joy in snowmobiling, snow plowing, mowing the lawn, and restoring tractors, buying and reselling items from auctions, building trailers and working in his garage helping out the neighbors. As a child, Denise spent hours by her dad's side, happily hammering his nails into the workbench. Don never minded-he just handed her more. He showed the same devotion to Deb, taking her along in the semi whenever they lacked a babysitter. During the holidays, he proudly served as the family cookie taste-tester, especially fond of the cutout sugar cookies. He loved sharing family stories with relatives and friends, keeping memories alive for the next generation. He helped foster Heidi's passion for fishing and is now responsible for her obsession! And she also realized that he is not the one to be trusted with a pair of scissors the night before school picture day. What a brave sole to cut the bangs of a beautician's daughter!! But that was my guy.

Don is survived by his wife, Judith; his daughters, Debra (Gary) Brycki of Marengo, and Denise (Douglas) Fischer of Grafton; his 5 granddaughters, Kimberly (Matthew) Dorfler, Stephanie Garcia, Rebecca (Doug) Noble, Niki (Corey) Cooper, Christine Brycki and 3 great-grandchildren, Brooke and Caleb Dorfler and Olivia Garcia. He will also be lovingly remembered by stepchildren, Steven Losse, Heidi Losse, and Richard (Lisa) Losse III; step grandchildren, Sandra and Devon, Rylan, Quinn, Bodie, Shayne, and Hunter and Dustin; great grandchildren, Briar and Skylar.

He is further survived by his sibling, Robert Wanner. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Roger and Phillip Wanner Jr.; sisters, Phyllis Hatfield, Bernadine Gronmark, Margaret Koch, and Romane Staffin.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025 at St. John Lutheran Church, 17963 WI-32, in Townsend, WI from 9 a.m. until the Memorial Service at 12:00 p.m. Pastor Bo Baumeister officiating. Gruetzmacher Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to the Christian Food Pantry, Christian Fellowship Group at St. John's Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.

A special thank you to The Cottages; Cathy and staff for their outstanding care and comfort they provided to both Don and our family. A question often asked of us, did Don ever flirt before? He stole their hearts.