Donald Gubrud

Donald E. Gubrud, 89, of Chippewa Falls, town of Lafayette, died Thursday, February 1, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family, under the care of St. Joseph’s Hospice.

He was born June 5, 1928 in New Auburn to Hilda (Lee) and Alfred Gubrud. He graduated from Chippewa Falls Senior High School, class of 1946. While in high school, Don enlisted in the U.S. Merchant Marines, during which time, he travelled to France and other European countries.

After being discharged from the Merchant Marines, he returned home to look for work, as jobs were scarce, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served as an aide in a neuro/psychiatric hospital in the State of Washington. After his Honorable Discharge, he moved to California to work in the construction industry with a friend he knew from the military. Don moved back to Chippewa Falls and continued to work in construction, working on projects including the Eau Claire airport, Sam Davey School and Uniroyal. In 1950, Don began working as an aide at the Northern WI Center For the Developmentally Disabled, retiring as a supervisor after 37 years.

On June 25, 1955, Don married Janice J. “Jackie” Greenwood at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Chippewa Falls. Don built their first home on the lake near Chippewa City. Their second home Don built on small Lake Wissota, where they resided for over 50 years surrounded by many wonderful neighbors and friends. He also built a cabin in Winter, WI and Ladysmith WI, where they spent many years hunting, fishing and enjoying the outdoors with their family and friends.

Don enjoyed carpentry, hunting, fishing, ping-pong and golf, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a caring and giving man, aiding Jackie for many years in her struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, until her passing on May 22, 2015.

He is survived by three children, John (Lori) Gubrud of Chippewa Falls, Sally Gubrud (Steve Blodgett) of Elk Mound, Sandy (Dennis) Lyberg of Chippewa Falls; grandchildren, Jamie (Heather), Joshua and Samantha Gubrud, Jessica, Ashley and Lane Lyberg; great-grandchildren, Brennan and Hunter Gubrud; along with many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jackie; a brother, Leonard; and a sister, Irma Peterson.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, at Central Lutheran Church, 28 E. Columbia St. Chippewa Falls. Rev. Aaron Sturgis will be officiating. Interment will be in Prairie View Cemetery, village of Lake Hallie, Chippewa County WI, with Military Honors conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council.

The visitation will be on Monday, February 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, 44 E. Columbia Street, also one hour prior to the service at church on Tuesday.

Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services, Chippewa Falls is serving the family.
Visit pedersonvolker.com to express condolences online.