Donald Henry Denzer, age 90 of Ellsworth, WI, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his beloved family on October 30, 2019. Donald was born October 5, 1929 in Trimbelle Township to Bernard and Rose (Gutting) Denzer. He attended a one room school house in Trimbelle Township. Don was united in marriage to Doris Mae Gipford on July 1, 1950 at St. Mary’s – Big River Catholic Church. Their marriage was blessed with five children, Roxie, Jeff, Steve, Mark and Brenda, and 69 years of love and devotion.
Don was a hard-working man all his life. He began his working career at the Haverlandt Grocery Store in Ellsworth picking up eggs from farmers, and delivering groceries to local patrons. Don began working for 3M in 1960, and had a 32 year career there. For the past 14 years, Don had a weekly part-time newspaper route for the Pierce County Herald delivering newspapers to surrounding businesses and post offices, which he thoroughly enjoyed.
Most important to Don was his faith and his family. He was a devoted member at St. Francis Catholic Church, serving as an usher, eucharistic minister, and distributed communion to the homebound. Don was a proud father to his children, and lovingly supported them. He was also a Boy Scout and 4H Leader during their school years.
He loved being outdoors, gardening, hunting, fishing, as well as snowmobiling in his early years. Don had a strong work ethic and was a skilled woodworker, building the home he lived in and the family cabin in Danbury, with the help of family and friends. Don had a reserved and quiet nature and a gracious and caring heart for those he loved.
Don will remain in the hearts of his loving wife, Doris; children, Roxie (Randy) Gunderson of Woodville, Jeff (Sherri) Denzer of Bay City, Steve (Patricia) Denzer of Pepin, Mark Denzer (special friend, Fay Albardo) of Ellsworth, and Brenda (Ron) Fye of Ellsworth; grandchildren: Casey (Casey) Weiss, Holly (Dan) Rumsey, Josh (Kim) Denzer, Jamie Denzer, Kaycie Enz, Jake Denzer, Victor (Renee) Jones, Stephanie Denzer, Travis (Tina) Denzer, Elijah Denzer, Isaac (Emily) Taplin, and Megan Taplin; many great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Audrey Simon and Lavon Gray; as well as many nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Virginia Huppert; grandson, Brandon Gunderson; great-grandson Isaiah Denzer, brothers-in-law, Bill Simon and Francis Gray.
A Gathering of Family and Friends will take place 4:00 – 7:00 PM Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at St. Francis Catholic Church, 231 Woodworth St., Ellsworth, and one hour prior to the Mass on Wednesday. Mass of Christian Burial will take place 12:00 Noon Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at St. Francis Catholic Church with Fr. Eric Dadson officiating. A reception will immediately follow the Mass. Private interment will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery in Ellsworth.
Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of Ellsworth (715) 273-4421. www.oconnellfuneralservices.com
