Donald W. Deterville, 88, town of Eaton, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, December 22, 2023. He was born on May 8, 1935, in Walhain to the late William and Anna (Rank) Deterville. On May 16, 1953, he married Lillian Mincheski at SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Eaton. They recently celebrated 70 years of marriage together. Don owned and operated Deterville Lumber for over 60 years. He also worked in the real estate business with Deterville State Wide Agency and as an auctioneer with Deterville Auction Service. His first auction was at his then employer, Green Bay Planing Mill on University Ave., which then laid the foundation for his career as an auctioneer. Don had a lot of energy and was the “go-to man” in the Deterville Family. He enjoyed golfing and playing cards with his siblings, especially Sheepshead. Don liked spending time at the cottage in Dyckesville, keeping busy with projects and recreation. He was very active at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Sugarbush, volunteering in many different ways. Don served as the auctioneer for many years at the Holy Martyrs church picnic. He was a man of strong faith and devotion. Don adored spending time with his family, it was what brought him the greatest joy in life.
He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Lillian; children, Randy (Linda) Deterville, Ron (Gail) Deterville, Sharon (Glen) Loritz and Shirley (Dave) Herber; grandchildren, Jesse (Jessica) Van Groll, Jenni Deterville, Betsy (Vince) Meckstroth, April (Chad) Will, Tracy (Jeremy) Hafeman, Nicole (Joe) Stewart, Tammi (Tim) Schroeder, Cassandra (Robin) Kralovetz, Christopher (Samantha) Warden, Rhonda Deterville, Donald Deterville II, Bridgette Van Groll and Bob (Faith) Herber; 20 great grandchildren; sister, Marcella Pieschek; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Susie Dax, Francis (Lucy) Mincheski and Carol Deterville; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Sandy Van Groll; siblings, Bertha (Tony) LaLuzerne, Marina (Lawrence) Gerstner, Ervin (Dolores) Deterville, Leroy (Mary Jane) Deterville, Mildred Deterville, Armella (Cliff) Vandermeuse, Donna Koss, Richard (Laverne) Deterville and Harold Deterville; brothers-in-law, Junior Dax and Mitchell Pieschek.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 29, 2023, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church-Sugarbush, 5930 Humboldt Rd., from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Funeral Mass 12:00 noon Friday at the church with Rev. William O’Brien officiating. Burial will take place at SS. Cyril and Methodius Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.prokowall.com.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a memorial fund will be established.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Brenda Brunner for the special care she has given.
Col. Don says, “Final Sale, Sold!”
