Donald George Stern

Donald G. Stern, 85, of Onalaska, died on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center from complications of a stroke. He was born on November 30, 1929 in Wells, MN to George and Bernice (Desmond) Stern. Don served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War and served as a member of the Honor Guard in Washington DC. He married Olive Olson on April 5, 1952 in Viroqua, WI. Don was a member of the French Island American Legion for 41 years where he held several offices including Commander. He had recently gone on the Freedom Honor Flight with his daughter in September of 2014. Don was also a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in La Crosse and the Harry J. Olson Senior Center. He worked at the Trane Company for 38 years in quality control, retiring in 1991. Don enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, golfing, boating on the lake, waterskiing and going to sandbars. He also enjoyed bowling, playing cards, and was a licensed pilot and enjoyed flying. The number one thing in Don’s life was his family and he especially enjoyed spending time with them.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Olive, a daughter Karen Stern, a daughter-in-law Sally Stern, four grandchildren, Andrew (Nicolle) Stern, Aleah Stern, Trisha Brandt, and Tara (Trevor) Sheppard, three great-grandchildren, Alexandria Stern, Amelia Sheppard and Easton Sheppard, a sister Lorraine (Vernon) Fjelstad, a brother Larry (Linda) Stern, a sister-in-law Patricia Stern, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Jerry, and a brother Luvern.
Memorial services will be held on Monday, February 16, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, La Crosse. Rev. Dr. Mark Jolivette will officiate. Committal services will be held at a later date in the Oak Grove Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of services. Memorials may be given to the Freedom Honor Flight or Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.