Donald J. Croes, age 85 of River Falls, Wisconsin passed away on October 4, 2020 at Hammond Health Services. Don was born the son of Joseph and Emily Croes. He grew up in the area and graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1954. Don was united in marriage to Arlene Johnson on June 2, 1956 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Hudson, Wisconsin. He served as an Airman in the U.S. Air Force with B-47’s. Upon his return to civilian life, the couple were blessed with five children. Don worked for many years as a machine operator and general factory operator at 3M. Don was an avid outdoorsman. He had great memories traveling with the family camping around Wisconsin State Parks or the greater United States. He enjoyed fishing and spending time at their cabin on Half Moon Lake.

Don will remain in the hearts of his wife of 64 years, Arlene; children, Jerry (Kathy), Kenneth, Mitchell, and Randall; grandchildren, Nathan (Johanna), Aaron (Beth), Jacob, Jeremy, Joshua, and Vincent; great-grandchildren, Nora, Eva, Sylvia, Kensington, Rebekah, and Harrison; siblings, MaryKay (Jim) Schaffner; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Cherie; his parents; infant sister Margaret Rose, infant brother Paul, sisters Judy (Earl) Seiffert, Francis Schaffner, and brother Steve Croes; great granddaughter Alana Marie

A private Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held for Don’s family. Interment at St. Bridget’s Cemetery in River Falls. Memorials and cards for the family may be sent to O’Connell Family Funeral Home: Care of Donald Croes Family, 520 S. 11th St., Hudson, WI 54016, to be forwarded on your behalf.

Services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson, WI (715)386-3725. www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com