DONALD STUERMER Don, died on December 1, 2020 at Columbia St. Mary's Hospital. This past year, he & his wife Arlene celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary. Proud of his roots in the St. Francis community, he was known as a helpful, caring neighbor, dedicated to his family, friends & church. They were faithful members of St. John's Lutheran Church & in later years, St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church where he loved singing with the choir & taking part in parish activities. As part of the "Greatest Generation," Don enlisted at age 17 to serve in the U.S. Naval Construction Battalion in the South Pacific from 1944-1946. Upon his return to Milwaukee, he married the love of his life, Arlene Schulz in 1949 & became a devoted dad to his 3 children Duane, Daryl & Valerie. "He taught us respect for all races, all religions and all beliefs," said Duane. Daryl recalls, "my interest in playing an instrument started with my dad teaching me some simple paradiddles on a snare drum". Don was an enthusiastic music fan & was often seen at his son's concerts. Working most of his life as an employee of Allen-Bradley, Don retired in 1995 to spend time with Arlene & his family & contribute many hours of service to their favorite charitable organization, Project Concern of Cudahy/St. Francis. Valerie will remember her father as "a man who led by example, with a moral compass that always pointed true north. He was truly the example of what a father was meant to be, and his love, kindness and warmth will never be forgotten". Don is survived by his beloved wife of Arlene (nee Schulz), children Duane Stuermer (Sonja Rein), Daryl (Michaela) Stuermer, and Valerie (Rob) Walker He is the brother of the late Eunice Seaman and the loving grandfather of Devin and Ryan Stuermer; Kelly Stuermer Keane and Fiona Stuermer; Alex, Joseph, and Christina Walker. Great-grandfather of Rebecca, Avery, Justin, Declan, Jackson, Cooper Walker; Maddie Neuenfeldt; Sophie, Lily, and Daisy Keane, uncle of Richard and Carol Seaman, and brother-in-law of Joanne (Gordon) Zimmerman. The family would like to recognize the medical team at Columbia St. Mary's/Milwaukee, for their wonderfully compassionate care during this difficult pandemic. Also, a special thanks to the nursing staff at Eastcastle Place/Milwaukee where Don & Arlene have lived for the past 5 years. A memorial celebration will be planned for next year. In this extraordinary time of need please consider a donation of any kind to Project Concern of Cudahy/St. Francis, 3658 E. Plankinton Avenue, Cudahy, WI 53110, 414.744.0645 projectconcerncudahy.org/ways-to-donate/ PRASSER-KLECZKA BAY VIEW CHAPEL 414-483-2322