Beecher- Donald R. “Don” Wartick, 79, of Beecher, Wis., passed away Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at Maryhill Manor, Niagara, Wis.
He was born August 24, 1941, in Iron Mountain, Mich., son of the late Dale and Vina (Amond) Wartick. Don grew up in Niagara and was a graduate of Niagara High School, class of 1960. Following graduation, he proudly served in the United States Navy until his honorable discharge. Don married Phyllis LaVigne on May 25, 1963, at St. Mary & St. Joseph Catholic Church, Iron Mountain. He worked at the Niagara Paper Mill as a papermaker in 1962, where he worked for 40 plus years. After retiring, he and his wife Phyllis worked at Z’s Greenhouse in Beecher, which they owned and operated for over 25 years.
Don enjoyed numerous activities over the years, including playing football for Niagara High School, playing softball in the men’s league, traveling to Australia and snorkeling the Barrier Reef, and the Great Wall of China were just a few of his highlights. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and, over the years, fished all over the world and especially was fond of his numerous Canadian trips.
Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Phyllis Wartick, Beecher, Wis.; three sons, Brian (Shawn Ashley) Wartick, Cornell, Mich., Scott (Dawn) Wartick, Beecher, Wis., and Kevin (Kathy) Wartick, Iron Mountain, Mich.; two brothers, Carl (Jan) Wartick, Two Rivers, Wis., and Thomas (Patrice) Wartick, Beecher, Wis.; seven grandchildren, Ryan, Nicole, Autumn, Josh, Alexa, Zachary and Payton; and one great-granddaughter, Alice; one sister-in-law, Ann Wartick, Menasha, Wis.
In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by one brother, Clarence “Red” Wartick; one sister, Delores Groy; one grandson, Nicholas; one brother-in-law, Elmer Groy; one sister-in-law, Carmen Wartick; and one daughter-in-law, Paris (Tavonatti) Wartick.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 22, 2021 from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at St. Margaret Catholic Church, Pembine, Wis. The Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, 11:00 a.m. at the church. Rev. Fr. Michael Lightner will officiate. Burial will be in Pembine Cemetery. The American Legion Post #461, Pembine, Wis., will accord military honors at graveside.
You may leave a condolence or tribute for Donald’s family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.
The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home and Cremation Services-Niagara Chapel, Niagara, Wis., to honor Donald’s legacy of life.