Gonnering, Donald Nicholas

Other Events:

• Obituary: 19 Dec 2010; Appleton Post Crescent

Notes:

Obituary:
Donald Nicholas Gonnering, 87, passed away on Dec. 12th, 2010, at Lexington Nursing Home in Lake Zurich, Ill. After a long battle with Alzheimer's, Donald died peacefully with his wife of 61 years, Betty Gonnering, by his side, along with their daughter, Kim Wooten, Donald's granddaughter, Jessica Censottii, and his great-granddaughter, Kaija Censotti. Donald formally resided in Appleton, Wis. for over 50 years.
Donald was one of 13 children born to the late William and Cecelia Gonnering. Donald was born Dec. 6th, 1923, in Greenleaf, Wis.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty J. Gonnering; two sons, Jeff and Michael Gonnering; daughter, Kim Wooten, seven grandchildren; two step grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Son Jeff and his former wife Judy Martell have three daughters, Charlotte, Rachel, and Rebecca and were preceded in death by their daughter, Margaret Mae Gonnering. Our beautiful Margaret Mae Gonnering was born July 25th, 1981, and had passed July 30th, 1982. Michael Gonnering and his Wife Ellie Pinchar Gonnering have two children, Ricia and Chelsea. Donald's daughter, Kim Wooten, has one child, Jessica Censotti, one great-grandchild, Kaija Censotti, and two step children, Christopher and Anthony Palya.
Donald Gonnering"s siblings and their spouses, Evelyn and Norbert Van Perren, Ralph and Elaine Gonnering, Vince and Helen Gonnering, Ethel and Roland Matzke, Marvin and Delores Gonnering, Robert Gonnering and Ceil O'Connell, Germaine and Gary Greening, Marjorie and Chester Dollar, Irene and Eugene Engstrom, Raymond (Bud) and Sylvia Gonnering, Rosemary and Joseph DuBois, and Marion Gonnering (died in infancy)
Donald was preceded in death by four sisters, Evelyn Van Perren, Ethyl Matzke, Germaine Greening and Marion Gonnering; and four brothers, Ralph, Vincent, Marvin and Raymond (Bud) Gonnering.
Services will be held Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010, located at Saints Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church Located at 710 N. Baird St Green Bay, Wis. Visitation will be between 10 and 11 a.m. in the Father's Schuh Hall located in the lower level. Mass will begin at 11 a.m. After the mass the family cordially invites you to join them for Donald Gonnering's Celebration of Life located at Riverside Ballroom 1560 Main St. in Green Bay.
Donald was the Head Grinder at Midtec Paper Mill formally known as Kimberly Clark for over 50 years. Donald also served in the military; he was the barber on a Medical Ship during the end of World War II. Donald was a devout Catholic and was active at his Church. Donald loved his family and friends.
Music was Donald's true passion in life. He was a great musician! He loved to entertain his family and friends while playing his trumpet, harmonica and coronet. He loved polka and big band music. His favorite musician was Romy Goz. He learned to play the trumpet as a young child and had passionately played throughout his life. Donald's sister Marjorie recalls how great Donald played Taps as a child. He insisted on passing along the gift of music to all his children and grandchildren. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed making his family and friends laugh. He was a true entertainer. Donald was a good and decent man. Donald was a loyal husband and a wonderful Father. He was loved by all and will be missed.
The family would like to thank Lexington Nursing Home's staff for the kindness and compassion shown to Donald and his family during this most difficult time. A special thanks to Chistopher Palya as well.

Donald married Bell, Betty Jean 20 Aug 1949. Betty was born 27 Nov 1929, Merrill, Lincoln, Wisconsin, USA; died 12 Aug 2015. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Education - Graduation: 1972, Appleton High School

Jeffrey — Martell, Judy. [Group Sheet]

Michael — Pinchar, Ellie. [Group Sheet]