Donald Lane Bautch, 86, of Galesville, WI passed away at Marinuka Manor on April 16, 2025, surrounded by family after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Donald, “Don” was born April 9, 1939, to Lillian and Clarence Bautch of Whitehall, WI., the youngest of three, and graduated from Whitehall High School.  Don was a standout athlete during his high school years earning varsity letters in 15 sports.

Don Married Barbara Antony and they had two children, Scott and Patti.  They later divorced. Don worked for American Motors Kenosha, Northwestern Railroad La Crosse and retired from General Telephone in Galesville.  He was also a special deputy for the Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Department and a volunteer firefighter with the Galesville Fire Department for 27 years.

From an early age, both competitive sports and outdoor activities were a keystone in Don’s life. He loved the outdoors and hunted duck, pheasant, turkey and deer, and was an avid fisherman. He also trained many hunting dogs, which he dearly loved.

Don was an avid golfer, loved downhill and cross-country skiing, running, hiking, canoeing and anything outdoors.  He also enjoyed watching the Packers, Brewers and Badgers. Don always did things big and lived life to the fullest.  He was most famous for his gift of conversation and loved interacting with people.

Don is survived by his two children, Scott (Margo) Bautch, Wausau WI and Patti (Pete) Jakowski, Onalaska, WI.  Seven grandchildren, Alex, (Ashley) McDonah, Minnetonka, MN, Kaleah, (Rob) Berger, Rice Lake, WI  Joshua (Gabby) Bautch, St. Croix Falls, WI, Matthew (Lexi) Bautch, Wausau, WI, Danielle, (Trevor) Maki, Wausau, WI Lucas, (Michelle) Bautch, Wausau, WI Mackenzie Bautch, Wausau, WI and five great grandchildren, Henry and Theodore McDonah, Koa Berger, Clyde Bautch and Bellarose Bautch.  He is further survived by his sister Clarice Smieja and many nieces and nephews.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Lillian Bautch and his sister Jacqueline Briggs.

Special thanks to all the staff and residents at Marinuka Manor.  Don especially loved spending time with his friends at the “smart table”.

The family will receive friends from 10-11:00 am on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Hardies Creek Lutheran Church, N18481 County Rd Dd, Ettrick, WI. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 am, with a lunch to follow.

Condolences may be made to the family by visiting CouleeCremation.com.