Donald R. Wesenberg

Donald Robert Wesenberg, 92, of Chippewa Falls passed away at the Chippewa Manor in Chippewa Falls on June 26, 2024.

Donald was born in Chippewa Falls on December 21, 1931, to Emil and Laura (Klinger) Wesenberg. Donald attended Bartlett School in Eagle Point before graduating from Chippewa High School in 1949. He attended Eau Claire State Teachers College and earned an Agriculture certification. He was a dairy farmer in the town of Eagle Point until his retirement. Even with the farm work, he always found time to help students who needed help with reading. Donald was a lifelong member of Zion United Methodist Church in Chippewa Falls. Through his church, he was a Triniteam volunteer driver for 20 years. He also delivered recordings of the church services to the church members who were unable to attend services.

At the age of 52, he was married for the first and only time to the widow, Velma (Vahlenkamp) Paulus. Volunteer work and service to others continued during his marriage. Despite his later marriage, he observed his 40th wedding anniversary on June 16, 2024.

During retirement, Donald and Velma traveled throughout the United States and Europe and loved gathering with their social group known as the Fruitcakes.

Donald is survived by his wife, Velma; step-children, John (Mary Jo Boos) Paulus of Chippewa Falls and Mary (Paulus) Artig of Stillwater, MN; step-granddaughters, Jennifer (Matt) Peacock of Sarasota, FL, Jolene (Joe Kaphing) Paulus of Osceola, WI and Rachel Artig of Brooklyn, NY; step-great-grandsons, Nolan, Rylan, and Cullan Peacock.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Vernetta (Clarence) Prochnow; nieces, Jane and Debra Dimmick; and step-son-in-law, Rory Artig.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 29, at Zion United Methodist Church, 1102 Superior St., Chippewa Falls, with a visitation one hour prior to the services at church. Pastor Pauline Bangle will be officiating. The interment will be in Eagleton Cemetery, Town of Eagle Point, WI.

The family extends a thank you to the staff at both the Chippewa Manor and the LakeHouse Chippewa Falls.