Donald Joseph Stanek, age 93, of Hudson, WI passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 19 at the Christian Community Home, surrounded by his family. He was born in Lindina Township, near Mauston, WI on March 13, 1919 to Joseph H. and Helen B (Wopat) Stanek. On December 7, 1940, he married Anita M. Block and they made their home in Mauston, WI until moving to Hudson in August of 1963.

Don spent 42 years driving OTR semi-truck until his retirement in July 1981. In the late 1950s, he joined with Fred Steinhaus and they formed a part-time business of striping highways for Juneau County. Upon his retirement, he painted many homes with local contractors in the Hudson area. Don enjoyed hunting trips out West, fishing, snowmobiling, golf, and spending time at their lake place in Danbury, WI.

Don is survived by his wife of 71 years, Anita; seven children, Thaia (Harold) Heidtke of Madison, WI, James Stanek of New Richmond, WI, Richard (Betty) Stanek of Waunakee, WI, Donna Kidd of Hudson WI, Thomas (Pamela) Stanek of Hudson, WI, Jane (Gerald) Johnson of Birchwood, WI, and Terri (Thomas) Smith of Bloomer, WI; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Arthur Stanek; sister, Lillian Lowe; daughter-in-law, Shirley (Oliver) Stanek; son-in-law, James Kidd; grandson, David Stanek; and great-great grandson, Cameron Stanek.

A gathering for friends and family for Don will be held on Friday, June 22, 2012 from 5-7p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1500 Vine St., Hudson. Private family burial at St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Funeral services have been entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson. www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com