If man’s journey on earth is measured by the details of how he lived then Don’s journey was a life well lived.

Donald Harold Blank; born the son of William and Nellie Blank, on July 28^th, 1927, has left us.

He has been preceded in death by five brothers, and two sisters. Enlisting in the United States Navy at the age of 17, Don served honorably until his discharge in 1946.

A hardworking man all of his life, Don was known by many for his role in the operation of the Mary E. Sawyer Auditorium until its’ closing, and subsequently the La Crosse Civic Center. Retiring on July 31^st, 1988, Don completed 33 years of valued service, beginning his career as a custodian in 1955. Don’s career was a sad reminder that all great beginnings have an end. Highly praised by his fellow employees and supervisors, many commended his countless and varied qualities;

Bob Lister, who was the manager when the La Crosse center opened in 1980, said Don Blank was one of the nicest guys around. “He was really a super guy”. Upon Don’s retirement, Lister said “I don’t know what they’re going to do without him. This guy has everything in his head!”

L. Peter Groves, on the Center Board, when Don worked there, said Blank was asked several times over the years to manager the Center, but Don said “It’s just not my cup of tea”. According to Groves, “There wasn’t anything Blank couldn’t do. Donny could walk through the building and tell when a screw is loose.”

Former-Mayor Patrick Zielke said there will be no replacing Don’s knowledge and skill. He was the building. Zielke said “Donny was calm and cool in any situation, he was just an average-Joe, he didn’t have any pretensions…he was the kind of person everyone wanted to work with.”

Former-Center Manager David Clements said “The most important thing he ever did for me, was to support me for the director’s job. He was a great mentor and a wonderful friend.”

During his 33 years of service, Don rubbed elbows with many famous entertainers but perhaps his favorite memory was the time Elvis called him “sir”.

Don also worked for many years with his “best-buddy” Jim Lamke, including a period when Don and Joyce managed the Pinewood Mobile Home Court, in Trempealeau Wisconsin.

In his later years, Don was an avid golfer, spending many days with some of his best friends; Ron, Kenny, and Don, at the Ettrick Golf Course. He was very proud of his two hole-in-ones, and was especially grateful to Lane for all the good times.

Another of Don’s favored pastimes was fishing, starting when he was only a child. Don passed this love of fishing on to his twin daughters, Susan and Sandra, by taking them “Willow-catting” at a young age. Also, Don and Joyce unendingly pursued the elusive “Mystery Fish”. But, Don’s love of the outdoors was not only limited to fishing. He was an avid deer hunter, spending many years camping with Joyce at the Necedah Wildlife Refuge. Enjoying the crisp fall air, the warm campfire, and the wonderful people they shared the campgrounds with, Don was truly at home in the outdoors.

At a young age, Don started his long-time love affair with dogs, by ordering Blue-Tick Hounds from a catalog with his brother Hank. The last in the line of dog’s who benefited from his love were his faithful Granddogs; (Sandra and Stephan’s) Emmit, and (Susan, Richard, and Jon’s) Dieter and Sophie.

In the past years, Don and Joyce have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by so many caring friends and family. The family would like to especially thank the girls of the East-Building’s Second Floor, all the Gundersen Lutheran volunteers, and will be eternally grateful to the hospice nurses and doctors of Four-Center.

Don is survived by his wife, best friend, and confidant, Joyce Blank. He is also survived by; his son Randy Blank, his twin daughters Susan Sommer and Sandra Rogge, and his grandson Jonathan Sommer, brother-in-law Thomas Zunker, and many nieces and nephews.

As per Don’s wishes, there will be no memorial services, but a memoriam is being planned. Any inquiries or donations may be made to Mr. David Clements, formerly of the La Crosse Center, care-of the La Crosse Visitor’s Bureau.  Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.

He will be missed.