Donald C. Potter, age 78 years, of rural Hillsboro, WI, passed away on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at home surrounded by his family, after a battle with cancer.
Don was the son of Charles and Ellen (Kahler) Potter. He was born in rural Hillsboro and then lived in Illinois as a youth. They moved back to Hillsboro and he attended Hillsboro High School, where he lettered in football and basketball. He graduated in 1955.
He then joined the U.S. Air Force. After approximately 2 ½ years he had a serious car accident and chose to be honorably discharged. Don then worked for the State of Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles.
On April 12, 1958 he married Mary Wood, and they recently celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. After starting a family, they desired to move back to his hometown of Hillsboro, WI.
Calvin Rose Trucking gave him the opportunity to learn to drive semi. Don worked for Ericson Trucking and then PC Kaiser for 15 years, and Heding Truck Service where he retired in 2000.
After retirement he spent a lot of time with his brother, Jim. He enjoyed visiting with his family and friends, playing games, especially cards. He loved hunting and fishing and enjoyed time with his beagle “Little Red.”
Don is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary; daughter, June Blaha; son, Jeff Potter (Steff); daughter, Jayne Potter; grandchildren, Jennifer (Ron) Pagel, Sarah (Heath) Olson, BJ (Anna) Schumacher, Brody (Candice) Blaha, Beau (Kim) Blaha, Breana (Tyler) Worthington and Katie Potter; and 19 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jim Potter; sister, Shirley (Ray) Mangiulli; great granddaughter, Lillian Blaha; Donnie Blaha and many good friends and classmates.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hillsboro, with Rev. Conrad Prell officiating. Burial with military rites was in the Mount Vernon Cemetery in Hillsboro. Friends called at the Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m.
Memorials are preferred to H.O.P.E. For online information, go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
