Donald C. Graap, Sr., 74, of the town of Harding, Lincoln County, passed away from Parkinson’s disease on Dec. 5, 2020 at his home under the care of his family and hospice services. His loving family was by his side when he passed away.
Don was born April 17, 1946 in the Town of Harding, son of Myrtle (Wiesman) and Alfred Graap, Sr. He married Darlene Mootz on Feb. 19, 1966. She survives. In younger years, Don spent many years logging with his parents and his brother, Harvey. Throughout his life, Don worked at A&P Pavers in Merrill, Johnson Brothers Construction in Tomahawk and the pipeline in Colorado, and Tomahawk Mink Ranch. After this, Don took a position at Hurd Millwork in Merrill while serving as the Town of Harding Town Supervisor for 20 years.
Don enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and great-grandkids, and he loved his dog, Buddy. He also enjoyed woodworking and made mirrors, tables, cabinets, chairs, and chainsaw mushrooms. He liked working around his yard on his tractor and working on his 1967 Ford Thunderbird. In his spare time, Don liked fishing, hunting, and gambling.
Survivors include his wife, Darlene Graap of Merrill; daughter, Jeanne (Randy) Schmidt of Gleason; sons, Jeffrey (Michelle) Graap and Donny (Bonny) Graap, Jr. both of Merrill; grandchildren, Emily (Jordan) Baumann, Joshua Schmidt, Derek Graap, Dustin (Brittany) Graap, Dylan Graap (Rhyle Ashton), Brittany Graap (Chris Chiapuzio), and Jacob Graap; great-grandchildren, Everett Baumann and Kylee Graap; sister-in-law, Sally Graap of Wausau; and brothers-in-law, Charles Shaver of Deerbrook and Oliver Schemehorn of Wausau. Don is further survived by his nieces and nephews, David ‘Popcorn’, Betty, Gary, Linda, Suzy, Danny, Brad, JoAnn, Rick, and Diana; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Myrtle and Alfred Graap, Sr.; sisters, Evelyn Shaver and Delores Schemehorn; brothers, Alfred Graap, Jr. and Harvey (Cathy) Graap; brother-in-law, James Madden; and nephew, Dale Madden.
In accordance with Don’s wishes, there will be no services. A private burial will take place in the spring of 2021. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family.
The family wishes to thank the comfort care doctors, Dr. Tomassi and Dr. Lawal; Don’s primary physicians, Dr. Macalalad and Dr. Spangler; other doctors, Dr. Ziegenbein, Dr. Mann, and Dr. Bhushan; his nurses at the hospital the last two weeks, Kim, Sandy, Erica, Stacy, Sarah and the nurse’s aide, Danyel; and the Ascension at Home nurses, Todd, Jenny, and Gabby.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com. Please forward any memorials to Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, 903 E. Third St., Merrill, WI 54452.