Donald J. Lantagne, 78, of Florence, Wis., died peacefully with his family at his side after a short but courageous battle with cancer, September 14, 2010, at Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center, Iron Mountain. He was born on April 18, 1932, in Niagara, Wis., son of the late Mitchell and Clarice (Bourassa) Lantagne. Donald married Louise Barr on July 9, 1955, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Iron Mountain, They recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. Donald graduated from Niagara High School, Class of 1951. He then enlisted in the United States Navy where he served on destroyers during the Korean Conflict from 1952 to 1956. Donald returned to Niagara following his discharge and worked for the Niagara Paper Mill for forty-three years, retiring in 1994. He was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Florence. He also volunteered for St. Vincent de Paul, Florence, and was a member of the American Legion Cretton Tutan Post No. 136, Niagara, the Booster Club, and the Florence County Lakes and Rivers Association (FCLAR). Donald was an avid classic country fan and a great yodeler. He enjoyed listening to bands at the Hodag and Porterfield music festivals. Donald also had many fond memories at Rivers Bend, Iron Mountain. He had many hobbies which included cutting wood, coaching little league, and playing smear with his wife, Louise, Duane, and Lorraine. Donald also cherished his pontoon adventures, starring Sheila, making dandelion and rhubarb wine, gardening, and working on his lawn, which was envied by all of his neighbors. He fondly considered himself as one of Budweiser's most loyal customers. Donald also loved his trips to Branson, Mo., and Nashville, Tenn. He loved taking trips to the NCAA basketball tournaments with Duane and the guys, and also enjoyed vacationing to Hawaii. Donald is survived by his wife, Louise Lantagne; one son, Glenn (Michele) Lantagne, Niagara; four daughters, Sheila (Chuck) Henrichs, Niagara, Lisa McMahon, Niagara, Teresa (Jeff) DePas, Niagara, Brenda (Bart) Wilson, Columbus, Ga.; four brothers, Billy Lantagne, Arizona, Gary (Margaret) Lantagne, Arizona, Doug (Donna) Lantagne, Niagara, Danny Lantagne, Niagara; two sisters, Phyllis Rihtarschich, Niagara, Delores "Toots"(Ken) Story, Texas; one brother-in-law and special friend, Duane Tirschel, Iron Mountain; one daughter-in-law, Cathy Bjorkman, Niagara; seventeen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sons, Mark Lantagne, and infant son, Dohn Lantagne; one sister, Bonnie Peterson; three grandchildren, Austin and Eastin DePas, and Jessica Demo. Visitation will be Thursday, September 16, 2010, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Florence. American Legion Cretton-Tutas Post No. 136, Niagara, will accord military honors 3:45 p.m. Thursday at the church. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated 4:00 p.m. Thursday at the Church. Rev. Matt Settle will officiate. You may light a candle in remembrance of Donald or leave a condolence for his family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com The Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home, Florence, is serving the family.