Obituary: Donald M. Petersilka, Sr.

Donald M. Petersilka, Sr., 87, of the Town of Sevastopol, died Saturday, December 24, 2016 while at Golden Living Center-Dorchester in Sturgeon Bay where he had been residing the past month.

He was born May 10, 1929 on the family farm in the Town of Sevastopol on Mathey Road, the son of Milton and Marie (Leible) Petersilka. Don graduated from Sevastopol High School in 1947. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War.

On July 9, 1949, Don married Janice L. Walker at S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Institute. He farmed on the family farm at Mathey Road along with his employment at Peterson Plumbing and Heating and Collins Heating and Air Conditioning. Don’s father stopped farming in 1961 and bought the Mill Supper Club in 1963 where Don worked with his parents until he took over ownership in 1976. His son and daughter-in-law, Don Jr., and Shelly continue operating the Mill Supper Club family business.

Don was a member of S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, the American Legion, and was also a 60-year member of Sturgeon Bay Kiwanis Club. He loved the outdoors, running his hunting dogs, and being Janice’s gardening assistant. Don and Janice always looked forward to seeing the many friends they had made throughout the years operating the Mill Supper Club.

He is survived by his wife, Janice; three children, Don Jr. (Shelly) Petersilka (and their children, Allison (Kevin) Lauder [and their sons, Max and Reece], Donald III and Anna (fiance’ – Kevin Medzis); Jeff Petersilka (and his children, Brandon, Nicole (Ryan) Zelinski [and their children, Lolah and Wyatt]); Lynn (Ron) Hedsand (and their daughters, Ashley (Markus) Tassoul [and their son, Briggs] and Amber (Brent) Ryland); one sister-in-law, Sharon Petersilka; and many dear nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; Milton and Marie Petersilka; infant son, David John; brother, Ronald Petersilka; and two sisters and brothers-in-law, Helen (John) Collins, and Lois (Robert) Hunt.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am on Thursday, December 29, 2016 at S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Institute with Fr. Robert Stegmann as celebrant. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Military honors will follow the Mass.

Friends may call after 4 pm on Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay until the closing parish wake service at 7 pm. Visitation will continue at the church, Thursday morning, from 10 am until the time of Mass.

Memorials may be made Don’s memory for S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic Church or DOOR CANcer, Inc.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.