Donald C. “Don” Maurer was called home on June 5, 2026, passing peacefully in the comfort of his own home, surrounded by the love of his children, a simple man remembered for a life well lived, grounded in hard work, and the quiet joys that made every day meaningful.

Don was born on May 20th, 1938, beginning a journey marked by quiet strength and humble joys. He lived the majority of his life in the close-knit community of the Town of Barton, where the familiar surroundings shaped the values that would define him for a lifetime. Even as a boy, Don’s unwavering work ethic was evident. He began working at age 14, setting pins at the Lighthouse Bowling Alley, and he labored tirelessly throughout his life.

After meeting the love of his life, Phyllis May, On August 23rd, 1958, they were married and beginning a partnership filled with steadfast devotion. Don proudly served in the Wisconsin Army National Guards during their early years of marriage. Together, they raised five children, two daughters and three sons, building a family rooted in proper guidance and strong values. He instilled his steadfast work ethic in all five of his children, leaving them a legacy of integrity and determination.

Don was happiest with the simplicity of everyday life, dressed in his favorite T-shirt, flannel shirt, jeans and cap. He was a passionate outdoorsman, spending countless hours working outside around his house as well as hunting. Throughout his life, he traveled to different states hunting wild boar, antelope, mule deer, black bear as well as hunting for deer and wild turkeys here in Wisconsin, many of these trophies displayed proudly on the walls in his home. He found companionship and adventure in the woods as he pursued all kinds of game, especially as his boys grew older, and could accompany him on many of those well-loved hunts.

As he grew older, Don found peace on his trips up North to his land, deer hunting with his boys, where he could embrace the simplicity of nature and savor the beauty of the Wisconsin wilderness he so deeply loved.

His children fondly recall his endearing one day trips the past several years, driving egg cartons up to Amish communities for fresh eggs. He would always stop by the bakeries and purchase his favorites - peach pie and cinnamon rolls. The 50+ mile journey never deterred him; for Don, the best pastries and freshest eggs were worth every mile and cost of gas.

Don’s dedication to hard work defined his career. For 25 years, he contributed his skills to Mallard Coach, followed by many years of service to the City of West Bend in various departments, until his retirement in 2000. For many years, he devoted himself to the Town of Barton, first as a Town Constable and later at the transfer station, every Saturday, cutting trees and chipping brush along the roads, putting up signs and whatever else needed to be done for the Town. Don was never one to sit still, working up until the very end part-time for the Town of Barton. Even when he was admitted to the hospital, he called one of his co-workers and told them, “I’ll see you next Saturday”. His daughter Eileen quickly corrected him and said, “Oh no you won’t”. That was one of many of Don’s passions, his devotion to work.

Don was a proud Wisconsinite who cheered passionately for the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers, always loyal to his home teams. He also enjoyed watching hunting and fishing shows, anything that celebrated the great outdoors he cherished. He never missed an episode of The Price is Right or Let’s Make a Deal, often enjoying a little glass of his favorite beer during these simple pleasures.

In remembering Don, we honor a man who found fulfillment in living life to the fullest every day, measured his wealth in his family, friends, accomplishments in life and sought contentment in honest work and the beauty of the world around him. His legacy is one of unwavering devotion, a simple man whose presence left a lasting mark on all who knew him.

Don is lovingly remembered and will be deeply missed by his four children, Eileen Hanrahan (Cary Schroeter), Lori Maurer, Gary Maurer, and Kevin Maurer; his cherished grandchildren, Shannon Hanrahan, Heather Beilke, Mary Schmidt (Mike Hauser), Devan (Tom) Shepherd, Garrett (Shelby) Maurer, Nathan (Robin) Maurer, and Jordan Maurer; eight great-grandchildren; Troy Staral, Lily Rose, Ada Grace and Evie Jo Shepherd; Bennett and Nora Maurer; Trey and Ty Maurer, and his beloved Golden’s he inherited from his son Terry - April (Mama) & Holly, He is also survived by his stepsister, Beverly Ertl, along with many other relatives and dear friends who knew him.

Don, also known as "Grandpa Fuzzy," by all the grandkids, developed a deeply cherished bond between his great grandson and little buddy Troy Staral, who spent a lot of time down by Grandpa Fuzzy since his illness, helping to take care of him with his Grandma Lori. This is time that will be cherished forever.

Don was preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Phyllis; his dear son, Terry Maurer; his mother, Floretta (Leo) Brunner; as well as other cherished relatives and close friends.

Visitation: Don’s Family will warmly greet family and friends at Myrhum-Patten Funeral and Cremation Service in West Bend from 9:00 am to 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, June 11th, 2026 (1315 West Washington Street (Highway 33), West Bend, WI 53095).

Service: The service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 11th, 2026, following the visitation officiated by Chaplain Jim Mallmann (1315 West Washington Street (Highway 33), West Bend, WI 53095).

Burial: Washington County Memorial Park at Noon with a three-volley rifle salute military honors and the taps, for Don’s service in the Wisconsin Army National Guards. Family will gather to continue sharing stories and fellowship at Myrhum-Patten Funeral and Cremation Service after the interment.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Preceptor Hospice for the compassionate care Don received during his final days and support they provided for his children, especially Renee, Becca, Jamie, Jennifer and Chaplin Art. The care and support were beyond amazing.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Don’s arrangements. For additional information or to leave an online condolence on the tribute wall, please visit www.myrhum-patten.com