Donald J. Kraetzner

May 20, 1941 - June 7, 2006

Donald J. “Herk” Kraetzner, age 65, of Beaver Dam, died Wednesday, June 7, 2006 at Continental manor in Randolph following a three year illness.

Family and friends may call at the Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on Saturday, June 10, 2006 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Funeral services will follow at the funeral home on Saturday, beginning at 1:00 PM. Fr. Jerome Rinzel will officiate. Burial will be in Lowell Cemetery.

Donald Joseph Kraetzner was born on May 20, 1941 in Lowell, Wisconsin to the late Erwin and Margaret (Bartosch) Kraetzner. He was baptized and confirmed in Holy Family Catholic Church in Reeseville. Following graduation from Beaver Dam High School in 1959, Don served in the United States Air Force. He spent three years in the 483rd Military Air Police Base and Gate Patrol in Ashiya, Japan. While in Japan, he studied Karate and became a black belt. After the service, he worked as a carpenter for many years. In 1964, he was united in marriage with Jackie Straseski. Don was a pilot and served in the Civil Air Patrol for several years. He was a motorcycle rider since his teenage years and was actively involved with clubs after leaving the military. Don also enjoyed skydiving and was a member of the Seven Hills Skydivers. After heart surgery in 1995, he was involved in sales work and also drove taxi in Beaver Dam. On October 17, 1998, Don was united in marriage with Louise Laper in Beaver Dam.

Survivors include his wife, Louise Kraetzner of Beaver Dam; his step daughter, Teri Witthun of Ripon; two step grandchildren, Chase Witthun and Ariah Witthun; two sisters, Marie (Robert) Gernetzke of Arizona and Delores (Herbert) Firari of Beaver Dam; two aunts, Catherine (Eldon) Pasewald-Rode of Lowell and Teresa Busse of Lowell; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Erwin Kraetzner and Margaret Kraetzner-Rudolph; a niece, Barbara (nee: Firari) Schroeder; and two nephews, Timmy Firari in infancy, and Michael Bremer.

The Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family.

Service Details

Saturday, June 10th, 2006, 1:00pm

Interment Details

Lowell Cemetery

Donald J. “Herk” Kraetzner, age 65, of Beaver Dam, died Wednesday, June 7, 2006 at Continental manor in Randolph following a three year illness. Family and friends may call at the Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on Saturday, June 10, 2006 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Funeral services will follow at the funeralContinue Reading

See Condolences

I was saddened to of Herks passing. I was just going through some photos and seen a picture of Herk at my sister Diane Birthday party at my home. It was a fun time. It brought back a lot of memories. Cathy Weinberger

To MY Brother, Never really new you, but heard alot about you. Met you once in Beaver Dam. I''m Breeze DLMC, see you in the forever chapter. Love Ya!!!!!

Louise, Saw that your husband had passed away and wanted to know we were sorry. I read the Beaver Dam Citizen on line. Were living near Atlanta Ga and Ernie has his own Business. Lisa is pregnant with her 2nd child in July. David is working withErnie in the business. and I work in a bank. Take care. Marcia

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