Donald L. Wallendal Sr., 88, of Mayville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, at the Christian Home in Waupun.
A visitation for Don will be held on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the Koepsell Funeral Home. A private family memorial service will be held.
Donald Wallendal Sr. was born in Columbus on July 16, 1937, to Jacob and Caroline (Neuman) Wallendal. He was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Columbus in August of 1937. In June of 1956, Don graduated from Mayville High School.
Don worked for several years at Rilling Endlich Furniture Company in Mayville, alongside his brother, Roger. He worked at Mayville Engineering Company (MEC) for 25 years, retiring in 1997.
In 1957, Don was united in marriage to Helen Zimmel and was blessed with seven children. They later divorced in 1978.
In his early years, Don’s hobbies included hunting, dartball, and pool. He met his companion Carol Kriehn and together they enjoyed camping and attending and watching NASCAR races. He retired to Wild Rose with Carol, and they enjoyed traveling and socializing with friends. Don was a devoted NASCAR fan and had a lifelong admiration for racing legend Dale Earnhardt. He was an avid collector of NASCAR memorabilia.
Don is survived by his children, Susan (Al) Schwantes, Sharon Geschke, Linda (Chris) Tyler, Jeff (Sheila) Wallendal, Donald Jr. (special friend Glenda) Wallendal, David (special friend Toni) Wallendal, and Wendy (Keith) Kell; grandchildren, Jennifer (Vincent) Powell, Matthew (Megan) Schwantes, Chad Geschke, Eric (Kim) Geschke, Jessica (Josh) Dobbs, Joshua Wallendal, Michelle (Jon) Goodman, Dustin (Amber) Wallendal, Logan Wallendal, Hailey (Lyndon) Weisensel, Thy (fiancé Lauren) Wallendal, Halle Kell, Keegan Kell, Lynda (Tom) Foeckler, Chris Tyler Jr., and Alex (special friend Bri) Tyler; 22 great-grandchildren; his sister, Vera Tollefsen and sister-in-law, Joanne Wallendal; and his companion Carol’s children. Don is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Roger Wallendal and Sam Wallendal; companion, Carol, and her son; sister-in-law, Bonnie Wallendal; and brother-in-law, Tom Tollefsen.
Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is caring for the family. www.Koepsellfh.com
