Donald J. Dionne

Donald (Don) Joseph Dionne, peacefully passed away on July 14, 2024, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center at the age of 78. Born on October 28, 1945, in Algoma, Wisconsin, to Augusta and Marcel Dionne, Don led a life filled with love, adventure, and friendship.

After graduating from Algoma High School, Don married Mary Ahrndt in 1965, sharing many wonderful years together until her passing in March of 1999. Don enjoyed a fulfilling career with the Wisconsin State Patrol based in Tomah, WI, and later in Onalaska, WI, eventually retiring in 2000. He also served his community as a volunteer firefighter in Onalaska for numerous years.

Known for his outgoing nature, Don cherished conversations with others and making new friends wherever his journeys took him. He had a passion for stock-car racing and spent countless weekends at NASCAR tracks, including the famed Daytona Speedway in Florida. It was in Daytona Beach where he met Faye Goldsmith through mutual friends, and they spent many winters there together, enjoying racing and the warm weather. Besides watching racing, Don also loved the thrill of driving the pace-truck at the La Crosse Interstate Speedway for 10 years.

Don is survived by his loving partner, Faye Goldsmith; his brothers, Mike Dionne and John Dionne (Sonia); his sister, Mary Dionne; Faye's daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Brian Jackson, and their son, Kyle Jackson; four nieces and nephews, along with many cherished friends and extended family members who will deeply miss him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Augusta and Marcel Dionne; his wife Mary Dionne; and his sister-in-law, Jane Dionne.

A funeral service to celebrate Don's life will be held on Monday, July 22, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at North Presbyterian Church, 1327 N Salem Road, La Crosse, WI. Visitation will take place on Sunday, July 21, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home, 200 West Avenue South, La Crosse, WI. Family and friends may also visit with the family one hour prior to the funeral service on Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.