Donald J. Draxler

Donald J. Draxler, age 62, of Oshkosh, entered his heavenly home with Jesus on September 6, 2023. Don faced his cancer diagnosis in May, 2022 with a pure faith in God. He was a true inspiration and example of obediently trusting Jesus while faithfully living one day at a time to the glory of God. Don was born on September 3rd, 1961 to Francis and Laurina (Swetz) Draxler in Marshfield, WI. He was united in marriage with Karen (Schoppe) on June 3rd, 2000 in Oshkosh, WI.

Don was a versatile and skilled man with a strong work ethic. Don earned an Associate degree in Architectural design out of high school and worked as a Construction Project Estimator/Manager. He then earned a Bachelor’s degree in Facilities Engineering and worked as a Facilities Engineer/Manager at Oshkosh Corporation for 5 years before earning a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and worked for the company an additional 20 years as their Corporate Environmental Director. But the most enjoyable and rewarding part of his career was working beside his wife, Karen, managing their real estate business with the help of their children.

Don could often be found sketching out a new idea or deep in thought researching and pursuing the best possible way to accomplish his goal. He was always eager to learn new things and enjoyed exploring a wide variety of opportunities. Don enjoyed road trip vacations with his family and working on projects around his home. He enjoyed the beauty and peacefulness of the outdoors, especially while kayaking. Some of his fondest memories include 18 years of annual Family Camps at Fort Wilderness in McNaughton, WI with his family and a close group of friends.

Don is survived by his wife of 23 years, Karen; children, Evan, Aaron and Sarah; mother, Laurina Draxler; siblings, Karen Willfahrt, Gerard (Deb) Draxler, Alita (Al) Lobner, Frank (Chris) Draxler, Ron (Lois) Draxler, Doreen (George) Lang, Laura (Chuck) Krier, Marie (Kelly) Eiden, Ramona (Brian) Fisher, David Draxler, Danelle (David) Ley and Steve (Kerry) Draxler; mother-in-law, Betty Schoppe; sister-in-law, Kim Schoppe; brother-in-law, Ken Schoppe; and many special nieces and nephews.

Don is preceded in death by his father, Francis Draxler; brother-in-law, Glen Willfahrt; father-in-law Willard Schoppe and special relation, Eugene and Alice Hilke.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00pm on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at River Valley Church, 1331 High Ave, Oshkosh WI. Visitation will take place from 10:00am until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Fort Wilderness Ministries Youth Camp Scholarship fund (https://fortwilderness.com/giving/).

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:7