Donald W. Damske

Donald William Damske, age 77, of Muskego, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, August 7th , 2025. He was born in Milwaukee on Thursday, February 19th , 1948 to Gus and Ruth (nee Smith) Damske.

He is survived by his wife, Roxanne “Annie” (nee Owczarzak), his children, Dionne (Jake) Wenger and Deana Damske; beloved uncle of Raina (Frank) Cordero, Robert (Amy) Prelesnik, Dawn, Robert, Donny, Sandy and Jimmy (Kristin) Damske and Richard Owczarzak; fun-loving grandpa to Noah, Maizie, Parker, Vinny, Mikey, Greyson, Emma and Liam and brother-in-law to Rex (Wanda) Owczarzak and sister-in-laws, Rory (Bob) Novohradsky, Nancy and Sue Damske.

Don’s loving and generous spirit extended beyond his immediate family to the Hernandezes, the entire Ehmcke family, the Arces and all those that visited Garth Lake. He had many extended great nieces, nephews and friends that also adored him. A favorite spot of all family pets was on Don’s lap watching poker or a car show with him. Don will be joining in heaven those that have passed before him, including his much-loved son Dusty, his brothers, Jim and Bob, his parents, Gus and Ruth, his parents-in-law, Bob (Big Bob) and Lorraine, his brother-in-law and best friend, Bobby (Little Bob), his nephew, Ryan, niece, Denise, and Emma and Liam’s father, Steve.

Don grew up on the south side of Milwaukee where, very young, he met the love of his life, Annie. You could always find him hanging out with her brother but he enjoyed taking the time to antagonize her. His teasing turned into love and they got married on February 13, 1971 and proceeded to have three children, Dustin, Dionne and Deana, all within 2.5 years. Don graduated from Boys Tech in January of 1966 and two days after he turned 18 in February of that same year, he started his lifelong career at Ladish Company in Cudahy. He was employed there for 43+ years working his way up to Manufacturing Engineer. They kept him on after retirement as a consultant where he even traveled to Japan, but about a year later, Don decided he wanted to be truly retired.

His favorite things to do were spending most of spring and summer up north fishing the waters of Northern Wisconsin, drinking beers alongside his brother, Jim, or just sitting and staring out at the lake while listening to Seventies on Seven and playing slots on his phone or tablet. His generosity knew no bounds and he was always buying a round for everyone or some kind of fishing gadget for the boys at the cottages. He also loved to take Annie and the girls to the casino and even purchased the covered top for his truck just to be able to hold all the girls’ purchases on their annual shopping trip. Don’s legacy lives on and is especially felt on Garth Lake. Cheers to the heavens Don!

Don was a fighter and our own personal miracle/unicorn. He was challenged with heart issues and battled cancer for the last 3 years. Time and time again we thought it might be the end and then he would snap back and carry on like nothing major just happened. Through it all, Roxanne was his rock; loving and selfless, and there for him every step of the way. She and the rest of the family would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to Don’s medical teams that cared for him over the years.

A visitation will be held at Max A. Sass & Sons Funeral Home - Westwood Chapel (W173 S7629 Westwood Dr., Muskego) on Saturday, August 23rd, from 3:00 – 5:00 pm, with a service starting at 4:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation toward a cancer or heart charity of your choosing or to the Garth Lake Association. Checks can be made out to GLA and sent to: Garth Lake Association, c/o D. Knight, 10304 Oak Drive, Hazelhurst, WI 54531.