Donald H. "Don" Kohnke

Donald H. “Don” Kohnke, age 73, of North Fond du Lac, died Thursday, August 24, 2023, at his residence surrounded by his family after a short battle with cancer. He was born in Fond du Lac on June 26, 1950, the son of Harold and Elizabeth (LaPine) Kohnke. Don graduated in 1968 from Goodrich High School and enlisted in the US Air Force, where he served six years. He married Jane M. Gau on June 12, 1971, in Fond du Lac. Don attended the Moraine Park Technical Institute graduating with an associate degree as an Industrial Engineering Technician and in 2010 he graduated with honors from the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Don retired from Sargento Cheese Company in 2015.

Don enjoyed watching the Packers, Brewers, and Nascar races. He also enjoyed golfing, umpiring and coaching NFDL girl’s summer softball, and calling Bingo at their Florida residence. In addition, Don enjoyed making clocks. For many years he was a Boy Scout leader. While living in Kiel, Don was an active member of Bethel United Methodist Church near Kiel, where he was a lay leader, leading Bible study and occasionally preaching. Recently he was a volunteer at the St. Vincent de Paul thrift store.

He is survived by his wife, Jane; daughter, Michelle “Shelly” (Stephen) Klein and son, Michael (Tracy) Kohnke, both of North Fond du Lac; a sister, Carol (Randy) Wiese of Fond du Lac; two grandsons, Tylar Kohnke and Matthew Klein; and his beloved dog, Izzy. He is further survived by five sisters-in law, Elizabeth “Betty” Ball, Mary Gau, Evelyn Gau, Barb Kozaczuk, and Young Gau.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Betty (Mike) Galle; a sister-in-law, Katie Bays; and two brothers-in-law, Don Gau and Joe Gau.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at the funeral home, beginning at 7:00 PM with Rev. Elizabeth Ball officiating. Cremation has taken place.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held on Sunday, September 3, 2023 at the American Legion Hall, 500 Fond du Lac Ave, Fond du Lac, WI from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

The family extends a special thank you to the wonderful team at SSM Health at Home Hospice for their loving care.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com