Donald L Ekern

Donald L. Ekern, 83, of Onalaska and formerly of Sparta, died Monday, December 23, 2024 at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born in Vernon County, WI to Leland and Ollie (Stoikes) Ekern on April 11, 1941. His family moved to Sparta when he was a child. Don graduated from Sparta High School in 1959.

Don married Dianna Zimmerman in 1963 at United Methodist Church in Sparta. He went to work with his dad at Ekern’s Heavy Moving, and loved working with him. After his dad retired, Don started a carpentry business, Elf Carpentry, with his partner Gene Kruk, which they ran for over 10 years. Donald’s last job was with Steenberg Homes in Eau Claire, as a service director, where he met a lot of people and made many friends.

Don and Dianna moved to Onalaska in 2006. He was a member of the Sparta Trailblazers Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing. Don was a very social guy, and loved spending time with family and friends.

Don is survived by his wife, Dianna; children, Bryan Ekern, Darrin (Kristi) Ekern, Brenda (Jeff) Smith, and Loren Ekern; grandchildren, Dylan (Janeen) Ekern, Logan Ekern, Lexi Ekern, Phillip Smith, and Zachary Smith; brother, Joe (Nancy) Ekern; sister-in-law, Barb Zimmerman; and special nieces, Whitney, Waynette (Dave), and Emily (Jim).

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Karen Griffin; and brother-in-law, Gerald Zimmerman.

A Funeral Service will be held at 12 p.m. (noon) on Monday, December 30, 2024 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta. Burial will be in Cataract Cemetery, Cataract.

A Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday, December 29, 2024, and from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. 

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