Obituary
Donald J. Mitley
Donald J. Mitley, 64 of La Crosse, WI passed away peacefully at his home on June 13th, 2023.
He was born February 7th, 1959, in La Crosse to Lawrence Sr. and Rose Marie (Pederson) Mitley.
Don attended Onalaska High School and graduated with the class of 1977. He worked at La Crosse Rubber Mills, followed by several dedicated years of work in maintenance with the La Crosse Housing Authority.
Don was affectionately known by his nickname “Duck”, for his uncanny impression of the cartoon character Donald Duck. He had many interests and hobbies including a love for Wisconsin sports (Packers, Badgers & Brewers); fishing; biking; going to garage sales; enjoying a few “cold ones” with his many friends; and spending quality time with family.
Don is survived by sisters Kathy (Steve) Johnson of Holmen; Pam (Donald) Viner of La Crosse; brothers Lawrence Jr. (Sue) Mitley of La Crosse; and Daniel (Jane) Mitley of Holmen; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother Rose Marie and father Lawrence Sr.; grandparents; sister Mary Kay; brother Bob; nephew Jimmy; and his beloved dog and biking partner Teddy.
Don always had a smile on his face and a laugh that filled the room. He also had a way of leaving events without saying “goodbye,” which became a bit of a running joke with family over the years. While his passing was unannounced and sudden, he left us all with the same feeling as when he left each gathering – sad to see him go, but so very happy for the time we got to share with him. He will forever be remembered by everyone he touched with his warmth, humor, and love.
A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday July 20th, 2023, at 3:00pm to 6:00pm at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St. in Onalaska, WI. Pastor Andy LeFebre will officiate .
In Lieu of flowers, memorials can be given in Don’s name to the Coulee Region Humane Society.
Don was a great guy always joking he would call me Jason Jackson and I would call him fondongo he would always moon walk when he saw me.
Kathy and family, so sorry for the loss of your brother,may you all find peace in the days ahead. Prayers and Hugs.
Oh Wilson! Our pal! Best neighbor ever! I loved taking Reggie for walks with Casper and Wendy. RIP Wilson! Reggie is thrilled to see you in Heaven!
My name is Michael Lundgren. I lived about a mile from Donny growing up. He was always one to make everyone laugh in the room with his crazy Donald Duck impression, or sitting in the backseat of the car whistling, like a police siren to freak me out. but it was great. It made us laugh so hard.. my son and I used to live across the street from him and Maureen who made another comment. And yeah we used to call him Wilson also. That was fun times down there. although I haven’t seen him in a few years cruising down, cass Street in La Crosse with Teddy in front of him, and I would be delivering mail, and he would come up behind me with that scooter and honk his horn and scare the crap out of me And the mail would go flying as a joke. Rest in peace Donald Duck.
So sorry to hear of Donnys passing, I enjoyed our banter throughout the years at Lacrosse Footwear, whether talking about our recent hits to the shins in our recent softball games. Or about how he would tease me being the youngest Miller girl, and how my brother told him my nickname. Imagine coming into work, and on one of the big pillars, written in bright orange, my nickname. Soon he appeared laughing, I’m like which one of my brothers told you that. Was still a laughing matter when I saw him at the last Footwear reunion. I will miss not running into him. Sincerely Mary (miller) Lee, Linden
Peace and love to the entire Mitley family.
Jane Hotchkiss
Donny took good care of my Mom in the Apartment complex. Mom also made sure Donny was well fed! I enjoyed seeing Donny and Teddy when I visited!
RIP Donny, you were well loved!
Don is one of the nicest guy I ever met. Played softball with him when I worked at La Crosse Footwear. His teammates and I would call him Norm when we would all meet at whatever watering hole we would meet at after the games. ( I don’t think he liked it though) He always had time to stop and talk whenever I would bump into to him throughout the years. I know this man is in heaven playing ball, throw them another moonwalk Donnie. Will miss seeing you around.
Donny was such fun to be around. He always made me laugh. He was silly, sincere and loved animals. The bar lit up when Donny came into Shimmys. I will miss his laughter. Such a great guy. Miss you Donny. RIP. Love Vickie