Donald G. Stefanich

Donald Stefanich, age 70 years, of Random Lake was called to eternal rest on October 23rd, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.

When Don became ill, he was asked by his family what he would like to have written in his obituary. Don responded “I don’t care, it is mostly bullshit anyway”. As Don was a self-appointed master of BS, we decided to honor his craft with his obituary. Much like Don’s stories, this will take a bit.

Don was born on March 23rd, 1951 in Milwaukee to Albert and Monica (Fitzpatrick) Stefanich. Monica often told the tale of baby Donnie being swaddled and set atop a dresser by the nurses for all to see due to his great looks. He grew up in West Milwaukee with his parents and three brothers (good boys) and his sister (Girl). He attended Pius XI High School in Milwaukee. While Don was a student at Pius, he met the love of his life, Lois Aspenleiter. Lois and Don were married on November 4th, 1973 after Don convinced Lois to leave her dance career behind.

Don then attended and graduated with honors from USC – University of Silver Creek. He initially pursued a career in sales, then ditch digger at Wisconsin Gas, climbing the ladder until ending his career as Director of Gas Operations. He ended his career as an ordained minister, performing a total of one ceremony.

Don enjoyed hunting, time at the cabin in Crandon (especially shenanigans with Dick “The Machine” VanderLoop), his years in Florida with Lois and friends, riding his Harley, sharing his hazelnuts, telling jokes, and laughing loudly. He was stubborn and impulsive, the life of the party. Most of all, Don loved being with family. Nothing was as important to Don as his family – both his blood relatives and those dear friends he chose to be part of his family.

Don spent nearly 48 years married to his beloved “Lulabelle”. He was very proud of his children and his grandchildren (who named him “Bot”), and did not hesitate to show it. He loved time with his brothers David, Mitter, and Head, and sister, Hair Breath, his dear friends Bubba Bear and Verna. Don greatly enjoyed his time with friends, including his Creek Riders family, his Florida friends, and his friends from all stages of his life. Don had no shortage of friends and made more everywhere he went.

Those Don leaves behind to cherish his memory include his daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Troy Delwiche; son Jeff Stefanich and Sarah with an “H”. Grandaughters Kinsey Delwiche and Alivia Stefanich, grandsons Nolan Delwiche and Jeffrey Stefanich.  He is survived by his brothers David, Allen (Dawn), and Greg (Mary) and his sister Mary Ann; his brother-in-law John (Barbara) Aspenleiter, sisters-in-law Mary Flister, Jean (Tim Roliff) Aspenleiter. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and countless friends. 

Don was preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws, Paul and Doris Aspenleiter; and his sister-in-law Dolly Stefanich.

An open house memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, November 13th, 2021 from 3pm - 7pm at the Silver Creek Fire Hall. Be prepared to sing “Three Irishmen” and discuss who, indeed, threw the overalls in Mrs. Murphy’s chowder. Jenny and Jeff also ask their friends to consider sharing the stories of how Don impacted them in their formative years.

The family would like to thank the nurses, and staff at Horizon Home Hospice and Kathy Hospice for their care and compassion, especially Tammy, RN and Jessi, Chaplain. They also want to especially thank David, Greg, Mitter, Mary Ann, Jean, Tim, Bob and Verna for the frequent visits and support of both Don and Lois, as well as the whole family, throughout his illness.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Don’s arrangements. Please consider signing our online guest book (www.myrhum-patten.com) to share your condolences with the family. Cards addressed to the family may be sent in the care of Myrhum-Patten Funeral and Cremation Service, 1315 W. Washington Street, West Bend, WI 53095.

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