Memorial services will be 12:00 noon on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin. Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at Roseberry’s Funeral Home. Donald was born October 25, 1965, in Mauston, Wisconsin to Merlin and Joan (Smith) McGowan who brought him home to their farm in Brooks, Wisconsin. He attended Adams-Friendship area schools all throughout his school years, first attending Brooks grade school, then Grand Marsh middle school and finishing at Adams-Friendship high school in 1984.
Donald worked on the family farms near Brooks, WI from a very young age until his 20s, he moved onto Castle Rock Container in his 30s, had his own painting business in his 40s and worked at Brakebush in Westfield, WI until his death. Donald enjoyed driving around in old cars since before he had a driverβs license and in his later years, he acquired older cars because they needed a good home. He also enjoyed spending time on his land, hunting, making trails in the woods and having fun at the fire pit with friends and family. His biggest achievement was raising his son Austin with former Partner Jan Baumgartner of Adams. Their greatest joy came when they became grandparents to two very loved granddaughters.
Donald was preceded in death by his father, Merlin McGowan, paternal grandparents Hugh F. and Ada B. McGowan, maternal grandparents Walter Smith and Bertha (Marsh) Green, uncle Bernard McGowan, aunts Marlis (Robert) McLean, Marcella (Irvin) Erickson, Marie (Frank) Srb, Dorthy (Curt) Kleeman. Cousins Frank Srb, Larry (Sigi) Laing, Cynthia Baumgartner, Keith (Terry) Russell
Survivors include his son Austin McGowan of Rhinelander, WI; mother Joan (Nate) Kronstedt of Friendship, WI; sisters Deb Stevens (Frank) of Mauston, WI, Julianne McGowan of Madison, WI; and Sherrie (Karl) Bluedorn of Lyndon Station, WI; granddaughters Aria and Aliyah McGowan of Rhinelander, WI; nephew Brandon Stevens of Reedsburg, WI; nieces Bethany Sonnick of California, Travis Airforce Base; Devon Lem of New Lisbon, WI; and Samantha Lem of Lyndon Station, WI; uncles James Smith of Adams, WI; and Hugh Duane McGowan (Loretta Swinehart) of Brooks, WI; aunts Betty (Kenneth) Dehmlow of Friendship, WI, and Margaret (John) Laing of Westfield, WI; and Friend Linda Lauer of Montello, WI. Donald is further survived by many great nieces & nephews, cousins, and dear friends who were like family spread near and far but always close to the heart.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.
So sorry for your loss Joan and family.
My thoughts and prayers to Debbie and family.
So sorry to hear about Don . He will be missed by all !!He made me laugh so many times hanging out together. Our prayers π are with all of you!.
So very sorry for your loss. He was such a great guy.
Our Deepest Sympathy! Thinking of all the family at this difficult time! So very sorry for your loss.
Prayers, love, and sympathy to the families. I was blessed to attend school with Don and know him as my friend. He could make anyone smile and laugh. Rest in peace Don. You will be greatly missed.
So very sorry for your loss.
Sending our deepest sympathy to Donny’s family.
So terribly sorry to hear. My heart felt sympathy to the family
Our deepests and most heart felt condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with all.
I’m very sorry for your loss. Reading through all the comments, Don seemed to bring so many people joy and laughter. What a special memory to cherish forever. Thinking of your family during this time.
So sorry for your loss.Don had quite the sense of humor and liked to entertain people with his antics. RIP Don.
So Sorry for your loss! Don had a great sense of humor and a good guy! Hugs and best wishes to Austin and the family!
We’re so very sorry for your loss. Our family will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Thoughts prayers and hugs to the family and friends I also went to school with Don and no the family well they are all good people Don will be miss by many he always had a nice smile and funny RIP Don fly high with the angel π
We were saddened to hear of Don’s passing. We extend our deepest sympathy to you Joan, Debbie, Julianne and Sherrie. Also Bob and Diane and Betty. We remember the times being around Don filled with laughter. May he rest in peace and those that remain find comfort in your memories of him.
So very sorry for your loss. Donny was always a good friend to me and my family. Hugs to your family.
We were with some dear friends when we heard the news. Deepest sympathies to you all. I have many fond memories of Don from HS and beyond, he always had a smile & a hello. May your memories provide some comfort in the days ahead.
Debbie, Sheree, and Julieanne-I am so sorry for your loss of your Brother. I was shocked to hear of Don’s passing and only wish hugs and warm memories to everyone affected by his death. Everybody I know has a different side that they have seen of our loved ones that have passed-I only saw laughter, and drinking and funny stories. I was blessed with that, I will miss that side of Don. My thoughts are with you all in this time of grief!
Sorry to hear of this. Condolences. Rest In Peace, Don.
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Condolences es to his family
So sorry to hear of Donny’s passing. He always knew how to make you laugh! We had a lot fun times in high school.
I am saddened to hear of Donny’s passing. My husband and I also went to school with him. He will be missed.
Don and I went to school together and we had alot of fun times. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family.
I’ve known Donald for years. Always laughed alot. Sorry for the families loss
We are shocked to see this. Our deepest condolences to the families.
I’ve never worked with a better guy. Guaranteed to laugh every time ya seen him. I’m gonna miss ya buddy..see ya on the other side ππ»βπ»
I’m so sorry to hear this. Don and i went to school together. He was always such a fun guy.
Deepest sympathies
So sorry for you loss.