Donald James Padesky

Shortly after his graduation from Central High School, Don enlisted in the US Marine Corps where he served as a corporal on the Pacific Front. In 1995, Don proudly traveled to Iwo Jima to mark the 50thth thanniversary commemorating the Marines36 day battle there.

Don was a 64 year member of the IBEW and worked as an electrician on the NSP power plants at Jim Falls and La Crosse, St. Francis Hospital and Lutheran Hospital and various projects in the community.

Don lived and breathed the Lousy Service motto of his Pearl Street landmark, the Casino, which he owned and operated for over 30 years. He was also an active Tavern League member and proud supporter of their Safe Rides program.

Dons apartment was full of numerous portraits of the Pope, USMC memorabilia, photos of democratic elected officials and countless pictures and re-prints of his friends and family. Although it was sometimes hard to know it from his gruff exterior, these images portray the things that mattered most to Don throughout his life.

Don is survived by his son, Tim (Tara Johnson) and their children Nicholas and Layna and a daughter, Mickey (Bjorn Jacobson). He is also survived by one sister Jeanne Kneifl, one brother Thomas (Nancy) Padesky and one sister-in-law, Millie Padesky all of La Crosse. He is further survived by nephews and nieces; Tom, Charlie Kneifl, Diane Dobbs (Mark), Mark (Mary), Mike, Ann, Dave and Gary Padesky.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jack, his niece Mary Kneifl and a brother-in-law Gerard Kneifl.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, September 2 at 2:00 p.m. at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse. As Don was a longtime member of Holy Trinity Parish, his friend, The Rev. Lawrence B. Berger will officiate. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services. Private committal service will be held at Catholic Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials may be given to Holy Trinity Parish or a charity of the donors choice.

Dons family wishes to extend a very special thanks to his nephew Gary and good friend Brian Carroll for putting up with Don and caring for him in his later years.