Donald George Trantow, beloved Father and Grandfather, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014, at Good Samaritan Health Center, Merrill.
Don was born in Merrill on July 23, 1935, to Harry and Helen (Slewitzke) Trantow.
He graduated from Merrill High School in 1954.
Out of high school he proudly served in the U.S. Marines Corp.
On August 1, 1959, he married Lorraine Mae Duginski at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, Merrill.
Don worked his way up in the Merrill Police Dept from a patrolman in April, 1960 to Lieutenant in 1986, retiring after 30 years of service.
Working with the Safety Patrol for Merrill Schools was a project he enjoyed for many years of his career.
Don was an active member in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and the middle school as a lay minister, gym teacher, and sports coach.
He was an adult leader with his boy’s scouting activities and was proud of all four of his children attending college and earning diplomas.
Don enjoyed the outdoors and sports, playing softball on the Les & Jim’s slow-pitch team, swimming, water skiing and XC-skiing. He was an avid Wisconsin sports fan.
Other activities Don enjoyed were grouse and deer hunting, elk hunting in the Colorado Rockies, and fishing up at the cottage on South Blue Lake.
For leisure activities in his later years he played cribbage and pinochle, travelled in the US and Europe, and visited casinos with friends, especially Dottie.
He attended many Marine birthday celebrations, and in November 2013 was able to see his grandson,Scott, complete his training at the same site Don was at in the 1950s.
Don was a faithful and caring husband. He cared for his wife, Lorraine, for years as she suffered from PSP in hospice care.
His family expected Lorraine to care for Don, but in the end Don was the primary caregiver without complaint or a word of bitterness.
Don is survived by his daughter Lorrie (Mark) Shafer, son Jerry (Grace) Trantow, son George (Dana) Trantow, and son Mike (Sherry) Trantow.
Grandchildren are Jake & Victoria (Jerry), Scott & Tristan (George), Richard & Mitchell & Ben (Mike). His sister, Phyllis “Dodie” Kanitz, also survives him.
Don was preceded in death by his wife Lorraine, one grandson, Eric Schalow (son of,Lorrie); and one sister Jane (Hellyer).
The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 4:00 P.M. Sunday, February 23, 2014, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Merrill. Father Michael McLain is presiding. Visitation will take place from 1:00 P.M. until 3:30 P.M. on Sunday at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorials in Don’s name to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church or Bell Tower Residence, both in Merrill.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com