Donald Mack

Donald Melchior Mack was born on June 17, 1931, to John and Eleanora (Breunig) Mack. He died on February 13, 2025, after having lived a long and rewarding life, which began and ended in his beloved town of Roxbury. We celebrate our loving husband, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa, who was very much looking forward to reaching his 94th birthday in June. 

Don was a lifelong member of St. Norbert’s Catholic Church. He served two terms as Parish Council president, and sang in the choir from his teen years through his 80’s. He was especially glad to be part of the choir in 2006 when they recorded and released a 2-disc CD set, “Sing Praise and Honor to God.” 

Don grew up working on the family farm and as a hired hand for his neighbors Herman and Werner Mack. After graduating eighth grade, he went to work as a farm hand for Matt and Rosie Lambert, who became another family for him.

Don enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War, serving his country from 1950-54. While enlisted, he achieved his GED certificate and graduated at the top of his class in Special Equipment Operator school in Wyoming. After 18 months at the Strategic Air Command, Don transferred to Supply and was stationed at Tachikawa, Japan where he put his skills to work as a crane operator responsible for loading ordnance onto aircraft. 

In January 1958, Don met Carol Blum while bowling with friends at Sauk Lanes. They were married in October of that year. Together, they raised their five children, instilling in them the values of serving God and community. A modest and humble man, Don always led by example, letting his actions speak for him. 

Don worked whatever jobs he could to make sure his family had what they needed, prioritizing work that allowed him to be home with his family at the end of each day. He was an especially skilled operating engineer and highly regarded for his prowess as a dozer operator. Don was a long-time member of the Operating Engineers Union, Local 139. He was also a lifelong member of the American Legion (joined 1954), the Knights of Columbus (joined 1956), and The Forty & Eight (joined 1968). 

Don loved to fly. He joined EAA as a private pilot. He co-owned three planes; in the 1950’s with his brother Rollie, and in the 1980’s with Phil Marx. Of the planes he flew (Champ, Chief, and Ercoup) Don’s favorite was the 1947 Champ. 

Don was a natural athlete, sharing his love of sports with Carol and his children. Family outings to the bowling alley or golf course were common as well as afternoons spent at a baseball or softball diamond. Playing, coaching, and cheering all brought him joy. Up until a few years ago you could still find him playing a round of golf or bowling in the afternoon league. If you knew Don, there is a good chance you know about the year his KC bowling team won the State Championship.

Don is survived by his wife of 66 years, Carol Mack, son Kevin Mack, daughter-in-law Teresa Lynn (Brian) Mack, daughters Teresa [aka TJ] (Pat Shannon) Mack, Carla (Kraig) Walter, and Donna (Michael Smith) Twining; sisters Anita Clemens, Kathleen (Jim) O’Day, and Phyllis (Tom) Ziegler; step-sister-in-law Darlene Lochner, sister-in-law Charlene Blum, brother-in-law Steven (Ellen) Blum, daughter-in law Sally Jo Spaeni, as well as his many beloved nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and step-mother Ella (Lamberty Lochner) Mack; step-brother Carl Lochner, sister Elaine and her husband Bob Bradburn; brothers Roland and his wife Joan, Richard and his wife Trula, and Robert and his wife Carole Jean, brothers-in-law Gordon Clemens, Edward “Buster” Blum and Eric Blum, his son Brian Mack, and grandson Spencer Twining, as well as many relatives of every generation. 

All are welcome to gather at a service to be held at St. Norbert’s Catholic Parish in Roxbury at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 15th with a Celebration of Life to follow at the Dorf Haus. The family will gather privately at St. Norbert Cemetery for a military honor guard presentation of the flag and to inter his ashes. 

We would like to thank Don’s long-time physician Dr. John McAuliffe for decades of excellent care, Sauk Prairie Healthcare for their emergency and surgical services after Don fell and broke his hip on December 24th, Dove Rehabilitation in Lodi for their efforts to get Don back on his feet beginning on January 3rd, and SSM Health at Home Hospice team who beginning on January 28th saw Don and all of us through his final days. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Covenant House, https://www.covenanthouse.org/homeless-shelters or another non-profit organization of your choosing which serves disadvantaged young people.