Donald Ganterer

Donald Ganterer was as kind and common of a man that there ever was. He showed his love for his family by always helping and being there for them at a moments notice. From appreciating the history of Wausau , learning about steam engine trains and the logging industry of Wisconsin , listening to the Milwaukee Brewers and Paul Harvey, or watching new construction projects, Don took great pleasure enjoying the simple things in life.

Don passed away on Friday, October 3, 2008 at the age of 79. He was born November 22, 1928 in Wausau to the late Victor and Loretta (Frieberg) Ganterer. On November 18, 1950 , Don married Isabelle Blaschka at St. James’s Catholic Church rectory. Don was a skilled carpenter and craftsman. There wasn’t anything Don couldn’t fix, paint, wire, or make. He built the family home on Chellis Street as well as family cottages in Oconto County . He was a wonderful provider for his family. Don worked 45 years at Connor Forest Industries as well as driving part time for Checker Cab. After retiring from Wausau Metals he then worked at the Marathon County Historical Museum .

Survivors include his wife, Isabelle, one son, James (fiancé-Gloria Johnson) Ganterer, two daughters, Joan (Jeff) King and Debra Melang, one brother, Robert Ganterer all of Wausau, four grandchildren, Tina, Todd, Rachel (Jerrick) Alsteen, and Robbie and 6 great grandchildren, Tanner, Devin, Tony, Eli, Noah, and Emma. Don was preceded in death by his daughter, Geraldine Warnick and son-in-law, Mike Melang.

The funeral mass will be celebrated at11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, Wausau . Father Gerald Pehler will officiate. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery . Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. , Tuesday at the Helke Funeral Home, Wausau with a Vigil Service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will also be at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.