Donald “Donny” Herbert Bembenek, age 80, of Merrill, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at Ministry St. Clare’s Hospital in Weston. He was the 8th child of 10, born on November 2, 1934 to the late Dominec and Laura (Cerwonka) Bembenek in Stockman Township in Portage County. Donald and Alice Birch were united in marriage on May 27, 1977.
Donald first worked on the family farm and for various potato farmers around Stevens Point and at one time had his own semi to haul potatoes. After moving to Milwaukee he started work as a heavy equipment/truck welder and mechanic. Donny met his wife Alice and they lived in Oak Creek until moving to Merrill in 1985 and realizing his dream of living in the country with the home and 80 acres of land they bought on Schulz Spur Drive. He then did pulp/woodwork/carpentry and roofing until his health declined. Donny was very happy on his John Deere tractor. He loved to hunt and fish and enjoyed watching football no matter who was playing, although he was a big Packer fan. Donny’s nickname was MacGyver because he could always make or weld things to use from scraps. He loved the outdoors and weather permitting would sit outside for hours to watch the wildlife. Donny loved his family and always enjoyed the time seeing or hearing from them.
Survivors include his wife of almost 38 years: Alice Bembenek, Merrill; five children: Gail Edstrand, Waukesha, Kenny (Brenda) Bembenek, West Alies, Donna (Michael) Kirvold, Waukesha, Thomas Bembenek, Stevens Point, and Randy Bembenek, Lannon; one step-daughter; Roxy Keto, Merrill; five grandkids: Rebecca Kuopus, Chad Edstrand, Robin Bembenek, Tommy Bembenek Jr and Justine Bembenek; 2 great-grandkids: Ariel and Alexandria Kuopus; four siblings: Raymond (Margie) Bembenek, Manitowoc, Bertha Milanowski, Milwaukee, Louise Stroik, Stevens Point, and Marlene Monreal, Milwaukee; first wife: Margaret Starck, Elm Grove, WI; and his extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings: Helen Check, Leonard Bembenek, Betty Knippel, Florian Bembenek and Chester Bembenek.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday, April 25, 2015 at Waid Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Allen Worlin will officiate. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until the time of service also at the funeral home. The family would like to thank the staff at Good Samaritan and especially the staff, doctors and Chaplain at St. Clare’s for all their compassion and care for Donny. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the family. Waid Funeral Home of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.