Delmar W. Donskey

     Delmar W. Donskey, 92, of Norwalk, died Saturday, November 25, 2017 at Mayo Clinic Health System, La Crosse. He was born on October 12, 1925 in La Crosse, WI to William and Ellen “Nelly” (Barry) Donskey. He grew up on Summit Ridge and graduated from Norwalk High School.

     Delmar served in the US Army from May 1945 until June of 1946 during WWII. He was stationed in Germany. He moved back to his family farm after the service.

     Delmar married Ruth Schultz on September 26, 1959 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sparta. They purchased a farm in 1966 where they raised their family. Delmar loved working on his farm and the most important thing was spending time with his family. He also enjoyed picking fruit, gardening, cutting firewood, and walks on the Sparta-Elroy Bike Trail.  He was a member of the American Legion Post 438, Norwalk. He loved meeting people and he always saw the best in everyone. He never complained about what life dealt him, rather he was always generous, optimistic, and grateful for everything that he had. He loved the time spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren.  He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He was loved dearly and will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and anyone who knew him.

     Delmar is survived by his wife, Ruth of Norwalk; his children, Gerald (Justina) Donskey of Jacksonville, FL, Duane Donskey of Norwalk, Curtis (Michelle) Donskey of Cleveland, OH, and Delores (Robert) Gries of Puyallup, WA; his grandchildren, Casandra Donskey, Alexandra Donskey, Alyssa Gries, Jeremy Gries, Daniel Donskey, and Anna Donskey.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Nelly; his brothers, Donald and Willard; and a sister, Rita Berendes.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta, with Father Keith Kitzhaber officiating. Burial with full military honors provided by American Legion Post 438 of Norwalk will be in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Summit Ridge.

     Family and friends are invited to call from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta. There will be a rosary at 8:45 p.m. Visitation will continue on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be given to Delmar’s American Legion Post 0438 Norwalk Memorial, PO Box 98, Norwalk, WI 54648. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

     The Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.  

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