Donald R Mouchka

Donald Robert Mouchka, 78, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 26th from complications of Lewy Body Dementia.

Don was born on January 24, 1939 and grew up in Chetek, Wis. He was active in the Boy Scouts, earning his Eagle Scout Rank and going on many great adventures. He attended Michigan Technological University and graduated with his Civil Engineering degree in 1960. He married Muriel Johnson in 1959 and they moved to La Crosse Wisconsin in 1961. He worked for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation his entire career. Don was active in the Army Reserves, retiring as a Colonel after 29 years of service. After retirement, they moved to Chetek. In 2003, he married Marilyn Von Ruden and they shared time between their homes in Chetek and Onalaska, enjoying time with their combined families and friends.

Don was an avid sports fan, cheering on his kids and grandkids in many sporting events. He loved the Milwaukee Brewers and the Green Bay Packers. During retirement, he loved woodworking, traveling, time on the lake and activities around Chetek.

In addition to his wife Marilyn Von Ruden Mouchka, he is survived by daughters Peggy (Steve) Troudt, Julie (Albert) Hrovat and MarySue (Jeff) Abel; Grandchildren Allison (Jamie) Geddes, Mitchell (Caitlin) Hrovat, Elliot and Carly Troudt, Quintin and Brendan Abel; Sister Dee (George) Cipov; Stepchildren Jean (Tom) Ott, Mary (Mike) Bottcher, Kathy (Tom) Noelke, Jan (Matt) Lewis, John (Diane) Von Ruden; Stepgrandchildren Sara (Alex) Baronich, Aaron and Ryan Noelke, Robyn (Ryan) Schams, Michael (Brittney Moilanen) and Kathryn Bottcher, Marie, John and Sam Ott, Nate and Meredith Lewis, Madeline Von Ruden and Lauren Von Ruden; Great Granddaughter Hazel Schams; Brothers-in-law Don (Sue) Johnson and Jerry (Karen) Brettingen; Sister-in-law Kay (Doug) Nokken and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents James and Josephine Mouchka; first wife Muriel Mouchka, daughter Pam Mouchka, brother Jerry Mouchka and stepson Mark Von Ruden.

The family would like to thank all the wonderful doctors and care givers at Gundersen Health System, Eagle Crest Memory Care, Bluffview Memory Care and the students and instructors at the UW-La Crosse EXPAND program.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11am on Friday, March 31, 2017 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Onalaska. Rev. Monsignor Steven Kachel will officiate. Visitation will be held at the church from 10am until the time of services. Burial with full military honors will take place at the St. Boniface Cemetery in Chetek, Wis. on Saturday, April 1, at 9:45am. A reception and celebration of Don’s life for friends and family will follow at Mouchka’s Mountain, their Chetek lake home.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be donated in Don’s memory.