Donald R. Wolter

Donald R. Wolter of Oshkosh passed away Sunday, March 3, 2024, at 91 years of age. Don was born on November 7, 1932, in Milwaukee, WI. He graduated from Custer High School in Milwaukee and received a B.S degree in Chemical Engineering from UW-Madison and a M.S. in Material Science from UW-Milwaukee. He was a registered Professional Engineer with the State of Wisconsin. Don worked in battery research and development for Rayovac, Globe Union, and Honeywell before becoming the first Director of Facilities Management at UW-Oshkosh. He held this position for 25 years, retiring in 1995. Don served in the Army during the Korean conflict with duty on Okinawa. His Old Glory Honor Flight to Washington DC in 2019 was a highlight and treasured experience.

On February 4, 1956, he married his high school sweetheart, Marcia Pallister, in Milwaukee. In 1957 they were blessed with a son Steven and in 1964 welcomed a special little girl, their daughter, Susan.

Since coming to Oshkosh in 1970, Don has been an active community volunteer. He was one of the first docents in the EAA museum when it opened in 1983 continuing to volunteer for 30 years. He was also active for 40 years with the EAA’s Pioneer Airport special events and yearly convention. He drove for the Red Cross, served on the Oshkosh Senior Center board, and Bethel Lutheran Home’s building and grounds committee. Don volunteered in the Senior Friends Program, Oshkosh Area Community Pantry, and as a greeter at Aurora Medical Center. Don received the 2014 Volunteer of the Year Award for his service in Advocap.         

Don fulfilled a dream in 1975 by earning his private pilot’s license. He was active in the Fox Valley flying club for twenty years and was the club secretary for seven years. His labor of love were his vegetable gardens, flowerbeds and his fruit trees. 

Over the years, Don’s arthritis took its toll, and he became the bionic man having both knees, both hips, and both shoulders replaced as well as having quadruple heart by-pass surgery. But his love for the game of golf kept him on the course through it all.

Survivors include: his wife of 68 years Marcia, son Steven (Terri) Wolter of Pulaski, WI and daughter Susan (Matt) Harris of Lehigh Acres, FL and Grandchildren Ashley (Mark) Heiberger, Michael Wolter (Tommy Bode) and Molly (Anthony) Bonilla. Great Grandsons Henry, William and Hudson Heiberger. Step Grandchildren Angie (Matt) Meacham, Jacki (Justin) Levetzow, Aaron (Devon) Butterbrodt and Step Great Grandchildren Calvin, Claudia, Madelyn and Myla.

Don had a special gift of bringing joy and laughter to everyone. His smiles and witty personality will be greatly missed. 

Visitation will be on March 15, 2024, from 10:00 to 11:00 am at Konrad-Behlman Funeral home, 100 Lake Pointe Drive, Oshkosh. Service to follow at 11:00 am.

Don and Marcia have resided at Evergreen’s courtyard apartments since 2017. They both have a deep appreciation for Evergreen’s caring and enriching life environment. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given in Don’s honor to the Evergreen Retirement Community Foundation or the Oshkosh Community Food Pantry.