Donald “Don” Dombrowski, 76, of Waupaca Wisconsin passed away at King Veterans Home on Jan. 23, 2024.
Don was born in Stockton WI on June 8, 1947, he was one of seven children of Virginia and Raymond Dombrowski. Don and his six siblings became experts at pickle picking on their family’s 6 acre pickle farm. Dave (Linda) Dombrowski, Gary (Rita) Dombrowski, James (Sharon) Dombrowski, Thomas (Kendall) Dombrowski, Diane (Bill) Dombrowski, Sue (James) Chick, Mary (John) Bigus.
Don was born in a time when indoor plumbing was something of a luxury, many times Don was the winner of he and his brothers bets, assuring he wouldn’t have to be the one going down the hole to empty the outhouse. Or one of the picketing members of the great strike to increase wages for money to attend the fair. While some of his younger siblings may not recall these times, when recounting the stories always brought a smile to Don’s face. Storytelling and the television show Gunsmoke were his two most favorite pastimes.
In high school, Don was a dedicated wrestler and was one of the best in his 112 lb. weight class. When the draft came, Don entered the Army for one tour in the Vietnam war. While Don didn’t talk about his time in the military, he was the most proud patriot.
After the war he was blessed with four daughters. Tracy (Anthony) Pierotti, Michelle Dombrowski, Allison Langwinski, and Rebecca Dombrowski. Don worked at the Waupaca Foundry for years where he earned the title of electrician. He then married his wife Mary Dombrowski and added Amanda Drake and Daniel (Tae Kidd) Drake to his family. Don was a very social man with hobbies that included woodworking, gardening, fishing, and camping. He was always ready for a conversation or a drink with a friend.
Don was lucky enough to be able to enjoy his grandchildren Kaitlyn and Kyle Haile, Justin Langwinski, Elizabeth and Matthew Pierotti and Makayla Zapata, Savannah Drake-Felton, Evan Boaz, Juliez Peterson, Xander Drake, and Alex and Athena Drake. He hand crafted gifts for his grandchildren and enjoyed a week with Grandpa in the summers. Don loved his family and the pets in his life. Only the lucky got to be one of Don’s dogs.
In 2012 when Don suffered a life altering stroke, he showed the strength and determination that he displayed his entire life to maintain his independence. While he was never quite the same, that true grit remained. If you knew Don, you know he would always do it the hard way. No shortcuts. Special appreciation to his fellow gym members (Tony) in Waupaca and the attention of Cheryl in Iola. He certainly wouldn’t have stayed with us as long as he did without your companionship.
We will keep Don in our hearts.
Military Honors will be held at the Jungers-Holly Funeral Home in Amherst at 4 PM on Monday, January 29th, 2024. Interment will be in the Central WI Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Town of Farmington, Waupaca Co., WI at a later date. Visitation will be held on Monday, from 1 PM until 4 PM at the Jungers- Holly Funeral Home in Amherst.