Donald Elmer Fillner, 87, of La Crosse, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2012 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.

He was born on December 11, 1924, in the Town of Washington, WI., to Frank Thomas Fillner and Anna Elizabeth Arentz. Don was a 1942 graduate of Central High School in La Crosse. After graduating he worked at Dravo Shipbuilding Corp., Willmington, Del. He entered the US Navy on May 22, 1943 and was honorably discharged on March 18,1946. He served on the USS Enterprise, and USS Oak Hill during WWII. He married Elaine M. Meyer on November 16, 1946 at St. John’s Reformed Church in La Crosse. She preceded him in death on March 21, 1983.

Don enjoyed 16 inch softball, bowling, hunting, trap shooting, fishing, snowmobiling, golfing, playing cards, and gambling. He was a member of the Gopher State Sportsman’s Club of La Crescent, First Congregational Church, American Legion Post 52, Fraternal Order of Eagles #1254, and the Moose Lodge, all of La Crosse. He worked as a welder at Allis Chalmers then at Trane Co. for 32 years, retiring in 1986 at age 62.

He married Elizabeth (Swatek) Wagner on May 10, 1986 at First Congregational Church in La Crosse. She preceded him in death on May 19, 2010.

He is survived by his children, Donna (Ken) Birnbaum of La Crosse, David (Sue) Fillner of Franklin, and Richard Fillner of La Crosse; grandchildren, Kimberly (Jay) Low, Paula (Ed) O’Connor, Matthew Birnbaum, Erik Fillner, Nicholas (Erin) Fillner, and April (Nick) Wittenberg; great grandchildren, Alex, Erik, Traci, and Julia Low, and Eddie O’Connor; brother-in-law, John Joswick, and several nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his wives, his brother, Lawrence Fillner, and sister, Marie Joswick.

Per Donald’s wishes he will be cremated and a private interment at Mormon Coulee Memorial Park Mausoleum will be held at a later date. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.