Donald Wick

Donald Fredrick Wick, late of West Bend, passed to his eternal rest on Wednesday, February 4th, 2026, peacefully with his family by his side.

He was born in Milwaukee, on February 7th, 1936. He graduated from Messmer High School before joining the United States Air Force where he was trained in photography. After coming back from the service, in he married the love of his life, Marilyn in 1959. They were happily married for 63 years.

He is survived by his devoted children, daughter Joan Bridge, son Bruce Wick, and son-in-law Russell Boneck: his grandchildren Alex Zweck (Lorna), Phillip Bridge, Samantha Lambrecht (Tyler), Jacqueline Bridge, Julianne Bergen, Erica Bridge; and great-grandchildren Aleigha and Marcus Lambrecht and Sylvester and Sullivan Zweck. He is further survived by siblings Judy Beaudot, Tim Wick (Becky), Russel Wick (Elaine), Michael Wick (Sharon), Patricia Stephenson, Gary Wick (Katherine), Charles Wick (Ron), Danny Wick (Molly) and many nieces and nephews.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents Norbert and Lucy (Diderrich) Wick, siblings Noreen Magerowski, Nancy Peters, and brother-in-law Dennis Peters; daughters Diane Boneck and Suzanne Legate Bergin; son-in-law John Bergin; granddaughter Angela Wick-Legate; great-granddaughter Karlie Lambrecht.

After serving as a photographer for the US Air Force Reserves for eight years, Donald widened his lens and ventured into a career in studio photography and portraiture. After franchising from Roob Studios, with the help of his devoted wife, he opened Don Fredrick Studios in 1974. Don Fredrick Studios would become a household name in Washington county, capturing the smiles and milestones of families throughout the community. Donald was the president of the WI Professional Photographers Association and was awarded numerous ribbons of excellence for his photography at the state and national level. After 40 successful years in the photography business, Don passed on his talents and his studio to his son, Bruce, where he carried on his father's legacy.

Donald was a Civil War aficionado, participating in reenactments and skirmishes with his family across the United States. Always an artist, he delighted in the details of model railroading. He founded and participating in many rail roading clubs in SE Wisconsin, most recently Cedar Ridge Railroad Club. He was particularly passionate about WI sports and was seldom found without a Milwaukee Brewers cap atop his head. Above all, his greatest joy in life was his family; especially his wife, his Pumpkin Pie, to whom he owed it all.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 10th at Holy Angels Catholic Church in West Bend at 1:00pm, visitation will take place at the church from 12pm-12:45pm.

The Schmidt funeral home in West Bend is serving the family. If you would like to leave a message of comfort and condolence, please visit www.schmidtfuneralhome.com