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GOURLEY, Twp. -- Donald E. Walechka, age 89, of Gourley Twp., died on August 13, 2026 at Bellin-Emplify Hospital in Green Bay, WI. Don was born on March 2, 1937 in Gourley Twp. to the late Emil and Emma (Janofski) Walechka.
He was raised on the family farm and graduated from Powers-Spalding High School in 1955. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in May of 1959 and served four years while being stationed at Keesler Airforce Base in Biloxi, Miss. After his discharge in May of 1963, he returned home, but lived and worked for one year in Menominee, MI. at the old Menominee Box and Lumber Co. In the spring of 1964, he took a job with the Robinson Furniture Co. of Wilson where he remained employed for 37 years. After his retirement, having continued his love in woodworking he, along with the assistance of his brother, built his retirement hobby, which was a miniature railroad! The train was large enough to ride on, and could carry a number of adults. It operated on fourteen hundred feet of track over ten acres of his brothers property. Don married Geraldine LaPorte of Wilson on Feb. 10, 1968, and divorced in 1988.
Along with his parents, Don was preceded in death by a son, Brian, and brothers Marvin, Jim, Kenneth, and one sister, Evelyn.
Don is survived by his three adopted children, Yvonne, Matthew, and Mark. Two sisters, Mary Ann (Gerald) Piche, and Linda (Dale) McNamee. Don is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Vivian, Rosie, and Liz, and several grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Friends may call from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. (CST) on Tuesday August 25, 2026 at the Allo Coolman Funeral Home in Spalding. A funeral service to celebrate the life of Donald Walechka will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. (CST) with Fr. Rick Courier officiating. Burial will follow in the Nadeau Township Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at the Carney American Legion post #487.
Please visit www.allofh.com to send online condolences to his family.
