Donald H. Iwen, age 87, of Merrill, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 22, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Donald was born March 28, 1927 in Merrill to the late Lillian (Graap) Iwen and Charles Iwen.
Donald enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, playing cards, and watching the many birds on his deck. He also enjoyed listening to polkas on the radio as well as dancing to them in his younger years. He always looked forward to working at the Merrill Evening Lions food stand at the fair every year. He also took pride in selling tickets for and helping out at the yearly St. Stephens Church picnic. In his younger years he won many awards as a 4H member. He was employed and took great pride in working at Merrill Manufacturing for over 44 years.
Donald was preceded in death by his father Charles, his mother Lillian Graap, his brothers Charles “Jim” (Delores) Iwen and Kermit (Audrey) Iwen, his son Donald A. “Butch” Iwen, and his first wife Betty Retzlaff. He is survived by his wife Barbara (Leistikow) Iwen, daughters Marilyn (Jeff) Seidlitz, Nancy (Walter) Plautz, son Douglas (Pam) Iwen all of Merrill, brothers Arnold (Patricia) Iwen of Wausau, sisters Nina (Donald) Schmidt, and Mae (Robert) Woller both of Wausau, one daughter-in-law Mary (Donald A.) Iwen of Pewaukee. Grandchildren Donald C. (Teressa Kocs) of Shorewood, Jennifer Iwen of West Allis, Bailey Iwen and Emerson Iwen both of Merrill, and one great grandchild Conrad Iwen of Shorewood.
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home of Wausau is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.jjbfh.com
Visitation will be held from 4–6:30 p.m. with a short service to follow on Friday, Nov. 14 at St. Stephens Church in Merrill.