Obituaries

I was very fortunate to have met Don and shared time with him as a volunteer for both, St Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy and the Red Cross. I was impressed by his strong desire to help others in any way he could. When there was no tasks of his normal duties as a volunteer he would always look and find other things to do. I thank God for having put Don in my life, he inspired me in many ways. My condolences to his family. May you find comfort knowing that Don inspired and touched the hearts of many people like me.

I always enjoyed my conversations with Don. He was kind, respectful and had a dry sense of humor. What he did not know about medications was not worth knowing. I was impressed with his knowledge and how he could answer any question I had on the spot with accuracy and details. After his retirement he came back to organize the blood drive. He had such an energy and was so committed to the staff, the patients and their owners. Helena Rylander

Don was an extremely dedicated Transportation Specialist and all-around Red Cross Volunteer. My condolences to all who knew him. We miss him very much. Don was a true go-getter. More than once he left for Iowa before loading his boxes of blood, and we would stop him somewhere before Dodgeville hopefully. There was no task too big for Don, and often he exceeded what we asked him to do because he knew how important the work is. Don also loved to garden for us and was responsible for much of the current landscaping on the grounds of the Red Cross Madison West Facility on Sheboygan Avenue. Nothing could deter him, and if there wasn't blood to deliver or errands to attend to, Don was out pruning, weeding, and planting. We still have a box of his gardening tools in storage here. Don was willing to help even when his ability to do so was quickly fading, and I am glad to know he is at peace in his final rest. Thank you, Don, for a remarkable friendship and shining example you provided to all who knew you. Thank you.

I am so sorry to hear about Don's passing. I worked in the Large Animal Hospital for eight years and always appreciated Don's help with getting meds ready for our patients, especially in emergency situations, his attention to detail, his dry humor, and keeping the bottle of ibuprofen filled at the pharmacy window! No doubt he will be greatly missed as he has made a deep impression on many veterinary students and the VMTH staff.

To Mary, children and family. We will cherish the good times with you and family. It's always difficult to see you all go through this, but we only hope that your support from family and friends help. You are good people and you will prosper in Don's memory.

I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing. He made a huge difference in my life while at the UW veterinary school. He stood up for me when an incident happened outside of my control and always made a point of being kind. When I would return to visit, he always remembered who I was. He will be remembered fondly by thousands of veterinarians. May your tears of sadness pass over smiles at the many memories you have of Don.

I worked with Don for 15 years at the veterinary school - he was unfailingly helpful, knowledgeable, supportive and cheerful. What an impact he had! Faculty and trainees, students and all of our patients benefited so much from his wide knowledge, compassion, and interest, including his longstanding work to organize yearly blood drives. His impact was incredible and the world has lost one of its best citizens.

I'm so saddened to hear of Dons passing. I worked at the Vet School, Don was always kind and helpful in some challenging situations. We missed him when he retired. He will always be in my heart.

I always looked up to Donald and admired him. God bless. Love you all.

Mary, Cindy and Brent....your husband and dad was one of a kind. He was always helping someone or laughing with someone else. His smile will live in my mind forever.....he is probably now enjoying a "Bergee" with the Richard.

Don was an incredibly kind, welcoming presence in the pharmacy at UW Veterinary Care. He bent over backwards to help our canine and feline patients. He even drove to Milwaukee one night to pick up a unit of blood for a sick patient. We will all remember him and his wisdom has been passed on to generations of vet students 🧡