Racine – Donald Edward Spanske, age 87, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at Wisconsin Veteran’s Home – Gates Hall in Union Grove.
Donald was born in Racine on May 4, 1926 to the late Frank and Violet (nee: Kaskin) Spanske. Attending local Racine schools, he graduated early from Washington Park High School in December of 1943. Don faithfully enlisted with the United States Navy on April 8, 1944 – receiving his basic training at The Great Lakes Naval Base. Don served our country aboard the transport ship USS Queens (APA 103) during WWII and was honorably discharged on May 5, 1946. After returning home from the War, Donald began working at Massey-Ferguson before beginning a longtime career with WE Energies – Oak Creek Power Plant, from where he retired as a turbine engineer in 1988. On August 6, 1949 in St. Patrick Catholic Church, he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Dolores Joan (nee: Jacobson), of whom preceded him in death on April 23, 2008.
In retirement, Don enjoyed gardening, spending time up-north on Finley Lake, Turkey Run trips, and going out to eat at Hillside Restaurant. Above all, was extremely passionate about his family and absolutely loved being in the surroundings of all his loved ones.
Surviving are his seven children, Carolyn (Thomas) Stapleman of Neshkoro; Barbara Wadewitz of Racine; James (Vicki) Spanske of Racine; John (Patricia) Spanske of Las Vegas, NV; Cynthia (Wayne) Larrabee of Racine; Randall (Doreen) Spanske of Racine; and Daniel (Sandy) Spanske of Rome, WI; 17 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Frank (Dorothy) Spanske, Jr. of Racine; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents and wife, Donald was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Randall Wadewitz; grandson, Randall Spanske, Jr.; sister, Delores; and brother, Herbert.
Funeral services will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Monday, February 24, 2014 at 12:30 pm with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Interment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Monday from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm. In honor of the compassionate care and wonderful support given to Don in his time of need, memorials to the Wisconsin Veteran’s Home – Gates Hall have been suggested.
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