Donald R, Whitish, age 86, of Fennimore, WI passed away on Saturday June 25, 2022 at his home in Preston, WI. Don was able to spend his final days at his home where he was surrounded with love from his family and many friends. Don was born May 23, 1936, at home in Clifton Township, the son of Raymond and Ethel (Kliest) Whitish. He attended Ebenezer Country School through 8th grade and then went to Livingston High School. He married Charlotte Kabele in 1955 and they were married for 22 years before going their separate ways. Don farmed for many years and also drove a milk truck and dump truck for Needham's. He then went to work as a mechanic for Koschkee Transfer of Fennimore, WI until he opened his own shop in Preston, WI.
He had a passion for music and as a young boy he taught himself to play the accordion, which was bigger than him at the time. During his teenage years he spent weekends playing in bands for dances and later in life would occasionally join in with bands and play once or twice a month. He was happy to play any waltz or polka song and also loved to dance the waltz. When his four children were growing up Don and Charlotte would occasionally hold weekend jamborees at their home. Friends and relatives would gather to play music and the kids would sing along. Don played the accordion, his father, Ray played the fiddle or banjo, his son, Dan played the spoons and friends played guitars. Many of the other weekends were spent taking the family camping and fishing at the Prairie du Sac dam. Don enjoyed putting in a garden every year and loved to share the fruits of his labor with friends and neighbors. When he was no longer able to garden, his favorite past time was playing cards with his friends and having Shawn and Lisa Kraus take him for afternoon rides in the country to see some wildlife.
Don had a generous spirit and would show love and kindness to anyone who befriended him, and his witty sense of humor will surely be missed by all.
Don was proceeded in death by his parents, Raymond and Ethel Whitish and a son, Dan Whitish, two wives, Avis Whitish and Ada Whitish and a companion, Marna Fuches and a special cousin, Helen Yerke. He is survived by his first wife, Charlotte Barnes of Fennimore, whom he called his best friend, and he would call her every day to chat. He is also survived by three children, Donna (Jeff) Henkel of Fennimore, WI, Sandy (Rick) Turner of Ovett, MS, and Ron (Pix) Whitish of Sarona, WI, and a daughter-in-law, Jackie (Whitish) Collins Belton, TX. He also is survived by nine grandchildren, Shawna (Bill) Uren of Round Rock, TX, Aaron (Erika) Henkel of Wentzville, MO, Brian (Nichole) Glynn of Waunakee, WI, Andrew (Brittany) Weber of Purvis, MS, Adam (Connie) Whitish of Belton, TX, Cody (Katie) Whitish of Belton, TX, Travis (Abby) Whitish of Platteville, WI, Tyler (Danielle) Whitish of Lancaster, WI, a step grandson, Gage (Delaney) Collins of Glendale, CO, and 18 great grandchildren. Don is also survived by Shawn and Lisa Kraus Fennimore, WI who were his caretakers for the past seven years, and they were family to him.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of Lancaster Health Services, the Hospice nurses and staff, Troy Larson of Larson Family Funeral Home for his comforting assistance, and all who cared for Don during his illness.
In following Don's wishes, there will be no formal services at this time. A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date. The Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore, WI is assisting the family and cards of sympathy may be mailed here at 925 10th St. Fennimore, WI 53809.