82, of St. Francis, WI, died Sunday, April 28th, 2019 peacefully and beautifully surrounded by his family. He was a loving son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to all he came to know in his life. With a quirky personality and great sense of humor, Don lived life to the fullest with a stubborn, never-quit attitude. He loved the Lord, his family, polka music, the Green Bay Packers, Miller High Life, cutting grass and clearing snow from his neighbors sidewalks and driveways. Throughout his life, Don demonstrated his strong Polish work ethic to make sure his wife and family had all that they needed. He deeply and positively touched the lives of so many around him and his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are a direct reflection of his love, faith and his stubborn determination. Don was born on April 5th, 1937 to Edward and Helen (nee Marsolek) Bautch in Independence, WI. He started his academic life at New City, a one room schoolhouse in Traverse Valley near his home. He moved on to grade school at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Grade School, and later graduated from Independence High School. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Communications Specialist. After Basic Training and Technical School Training, he left for an overseas tour to Reykjavik, Iceland. He completed his active duty obligation and returned to the United States. On October 7th, 1961 he married Norma Ann (Ziggy) Ziegeweid. They began their life together in Milwaukee, WI, where he worked as a UAW assembly line worker for American Motors on North Richards Street, and moved between the Milwaukee and Kenosha assembly plants. He finished his 30 year career with Chrysler Motors Corporation, retiring at the tender age of 50. He moved to Appleton, WI with his wife Ziggy and youngest daughter Kate, where he worked part time as a doorman at the Paper Valley Hotel. He took great pride in his work and was a chatty, uber-helpful person adored by many. He became a bit of a local celebrity in the Appleton area when his likeness was placed on a billboard and brochures to advertise the hotel. Don was a member of St. Veronicas Catholic Church in Milwaukee, WI and later at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Appleton, WI. Don is survived by three sons, John (Christie) of Nashville, TN, Greg (Jill) of Waukegan, IL and Mike (Jolene) of Brighton, MI, and two daughters, Pam of St. Francis, WI and Kate of Wauwatosa, WI; eight grandchildren, AJ of Nashville, TN, Heather (Chris) Dillon of Milwaukee, Abby of Baltimore, MD, Emma (Mario) Butler of Southern Argentina, Claire and Grace of Brighton, MI, Nicholas and Olivia Packer of Milwaukee, WI; and three great-grandchildren, Siena, Anora and Connor Dillon of Milwaukee; three sisters, Irene of Blair, WI, Bette (Don) Flogel of Dubuque, IA, Maya (Wayne) Wegner of Waterford, WI, and many, many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Norma, his daughter Anne Marie, his parents, his sister Florence and brothers, Ralph and Dick. All of Dons family wishes to thank the staff at St. Francis Health Services in St. Francis, WI, Horizon Hospice, as well as the Lawlis Family Hospice Center at Columbia St. Marys in Mequon for the wonderful and special care he received in his last few months. Visitation at the Funeral Home Friday, May 3, 2019 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. There will be a prayer service and a sharing of special family memories of Don at 7:00 PM. Visitation also Saturday 9:00 to 10:00 AM at St. Veronica Church, 4001 South Whitnall Avenue, Milwaukee. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM, celebrated by Reverend Carmelo Giuffre . Military honors and entombment to follow at St. Adalbert Cemetery. Don will be laid to rest along with the ashes of his wife Norma in their family crypt. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that Masses be offered or a memorial donation be made to Horizon Hospice or the Alzheimers Association in Dons memory. Prasser-Kleczka Funeral Homes Bay View Chapel 3275 South Howell Avenue Milwaukee, Wisconsin 414-483-2322