Cuene, Donald

Other Events:

• Military Service: Bef 1946; WWII, Navy
• Obituary: 1 Feb 2016; Green Bay Press Gazette

Notes:

Obituary:
On Sunday, January 31, 2016, Donald Eugene Cuene, son of Marion (Noonan) and Wilfred "Bill" Cuene, embarked on his last journey. He was born on May 4, 1927 and spent the majority of his life in Green Bay. Don attended Central Catholic High School, Class of 1945, but left to join the Navy, serving in the amphibious forces in the Pacific Theater during World War II. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Green Bay in June, 1946, met and married Evelyn Brunette and they've been together for 68 years.
Don loved airplanes and flying, and soloed at age 16. He attended Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, OK, but circumstances brought him back to Green Bay in 1948. Don was a member of the Air Force Reserve and served a year at Vance Air Force Base in Enid, OK during the Korean Conflict. Returning to Green Bay, he joined the Green Bay Police Department in November, 1951 and served 34 ½ years as a police officer. He retired from the department as Chief in 1985.
Don enjoyed challenges and learning. He was an accomplished pilot, sailor, photographer, and target shooter. Don and Evie were world travelers, first in their RV and, after wearing it out, continued with cruises and tours. He loved his computer and was on his fifth one. Don also loved music, especially contemporary jazz. He was one of the founding members of the Windjammers Sailing Club, racing the "Light Breeze" with son, Tom, and cruising the Bay and upper areas of the Great Lakes with his family. Don was instrumental in establishing a rifle and pistol range at the De Pere Sportsman's Club. He belonged to the Brown County Sportsman's Club and the Nicolet Rifle Club.
Work-wise, Don was active with the Green Bay Police Benevolent for many years served on the Governor's Retirement Study Commission and was on the board of directors of the Wisconsin Police Benevolent Association, serving a term as President. He, along with a few other police target shooters, formed the Fox Valley Pistol Club and held competitions at cities throughout the region. As juvenile Police Captain, he brought the School Liaison Program to Green Bay. On July 7, 1977, Don was sworn in as Chief of the Green Bay Police Department. He loved the department and all of his officers and staff.
Don is survived by his wife, Evie and their three children, Tom (Carol), Pam (Mike) Baeten and Frank. He is also survived by two wonderful grandsons: Justin (Stefanie) Cuene, Arizona; and Tristan Cuene (friend, Laura), Colorado; two darling great-grandchildren, Sofia and Miles, Arizona; his brother, William "Bill"; brother-in-law, Patrick Dwyer; Evie's sister-in-law, Norma Brunette, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents, parents-in-law, Clarence and Irene Brunette; two sisters, Margaret "Peggy" McGuire and Virginia "Ginny" Dwyer; brother-in-law, Rollie McGuire; sister-in-law, Kathy Cuene; Evie's two brothers, Bob and Duke Brunette, with whom he had a very close relationship; and two sisters-in-law, Eleanor Brunette and Marion VanderMissen.
Friends may call at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, February 4. A Parish Wake Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Friends may also call at St. Joseph Catholic Church, corner of Ninth St. and 12th Ave., from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday. The Mass of Resurrection will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the church with Rev. Ryan Starks officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.
Our heartfelt thanks go to the staff of Age Well R.C.A.C. for their compassion and patience, to Dr. Walbrun, to the volunteer drivers of the Curative bus who got Don to many appointments and were so helpful, and to the staff of Unity Hospice for their comfort and help.