Donald W. Pugh

Donald William Pugh, 88 years, passed away on August 19, 2024, at The Marquardt in Watertown, WI. Don was born on September 24, 1935, the son of Edward J. and Ruby (Davies) Pugh in Watertown, WI.

He grew up on a farm in Ixonia, attending a one-room school. He graduated from Watertown High School in 1953. He attended University of Wisconsin Short Course as President of his class in 1954. He served in the US Army from 1954-56, just after the Korean War.

He married Karen (Peters) Pugh on June 20, 1959, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Watertown. They farmed in Mayville, WI, moving there after their marriage. They had 3 children: David, Steven and Michael.

Don was very active in Jaycees, Mayville American Legion, served on the Mayville School Board for 12 years (President for 2 years), Grand Master of the Mayville Masonic Lodge. He was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and a member of the Church Council and former Chairman. In 1968, Don went to New Zealand on a Rotary International Exchange program. In 1980, he and Karen gave up farming and built a home in rural Horicon, overlooking the Horicon Marsh. He and Karen traveled the world, including to Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Wales and Hawaii, etc.

In 2016, Don and Karen moved to The Marquardt in Watertown. In June, Don and Karen celebrated their 65th anniversary with their family.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Karen, Watertown; son David (Mary Jo), Eustis, FL; son Steven (Beth), Minneola, FL; son Michael (Lisa), Stoughton, WI; 7 grandchildren: Colton (Vanessa) Davies; Lauren Pugh, Caroline (Gabe) Walker, Kristen (Luke) Bergman, McKenna (Michael) Boyland, Erika and Luke Pugh, 4 great grandchildren (and one on the way); sister-in-law Cynthia Pugh of MA; two nieces and one nephew; AFS student John Davis of Australia; and special friend Donald (Crew) Schuster of Missouri.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and brother Pastor Robert E. Pugh.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Immanuel Lutheran Church of Lebanon (Pipes and Panes Fund) or St. Paul Lutheran Church of Mayville (Cemetery Fund).

A memorial service for Don will be held on Monday August 26, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lebanon with Rev. Daniel Repp officiating. Visitation for Don will be held at the church on Monday, August 26, 2024, from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. Military honors will be conducted by the Mayville American Legion Post #69. Inurnment will take place at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Mayville at a later date.