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Donald A. Down

August 16, 1940 - September 21, 2025
Visitation
Community United Methodist Church
14700 Watertown Plank Road
Elm Grove, Wisconsin 53122
Saturday 10/4, 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Service
Community United Methodist Church
14700 Watertown Plank Road
Elm Grove, Wisconsin 53122
Saturday 10/4, 11:00 am
Memorial

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Don’s memory to:

Community United Methodist Church

14700 Watertown Plank Road

Elm Grove, WI, 53122

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Donald A. Down, age 85, of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, who passed away peacefully on September 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He was a beloved husband, father, father-in-law, papa, brother, uncle, friend, and neighbor, and he’ll be sorely missed.

Don was born on August 16, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York, to Walter and Mildred Down. He spent his formative years in Bayside, Queens, New York, and Wilmette, Illinois, where he developed a passion for electric trains and ham radio. He graduated from Purdue University in 1962 with a degree in Electrical Engineering, where he was a member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity.

Don met the love of his life, Judy, in 1967, in Charlotte, North Carolina, and they were married in 1969. Their 56 years of marriage were filled with love, laughter, faith, kids, grandkids, friends, and too many adventures to count.

In a world of change, Don loyally worked for the same company for his entire 44 year career, retiring in 2005 from Cooper Power Systems in Waukesha. He traveled the world in his international marketing position. Don was seemingly more busy in retirement than he was during his working years, as he generously gave his time to the Elmbrook Rotary Club and Community United Methodist Church in Elm Grove. He was dedicated to being a Stephen Ministries leader for 17 years, a leader in the seniors organization (OWLS) at Community Church and served on various other committees at Community Church. He and Judy loved to entertain and to travel domestically and internationally.

Don is survived by his wife Judy; sons Brian and Stephen (Nikki); grandsons Beckett, Davis, and Keaton; brother Raymond; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends; and is predeceased by parents Walter and Mildred Down; infant son, David; sister-in-law Paula Reep; and brother-in-law John Reep.

The family would like to thank everyone involved in Don’s care in recent years, including Dr. Laura Raftery, Dr. Tim Fenske, Dr. Nirav Shah, and the staff at Froedtert Hospital, who cared steadfastly for him.

Friends and family are welcome to celebrate Don’s life on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Community United Methodist Church, 14700 Watertown Plank Road, Elm Grove, Wisconsin. Don’s family will host a visitation from 9:00 AM to the time of the memorial service at 11:00 AM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Don’s memory to:

Community United Methodist Church

14700 Watertown Plank Road

Elm Grove, WI, 53122

Send Flowers Plant a Tree
Visitation
Community United Methodist Church
14700 Watertown Plank Road
Elm Grove, Wisconsin 53122
Map
Saturday 10/4, 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Service
Community United Methodist Church
14700 Watertown Plank Road
Elm Grove, Wisconsin 53122
Map
Saturday 10/4, 11:00 am
Memorial

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Don’s memory to:

Community United Methodist Church

14700 Watertown Plank Road

Elm Grove, WI, 53122

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It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Donald A. Down, age 85, of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, who passed away peacefully on September 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He was a beloved husband, father, father-in-law, papa, brother, uncle, friend, and neighbor, and he’ll be sorely missed. Don was born on AugustContinue Reading

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Tree 13 trees were planted in memory of Donald Down
Erik and Carol Moeser left a message on October 4, 2025:
We will miss Don and his good cheer and enthusiasm for all things.
Anonymous left a message on October 3, 2025:
They say you plant a tree for the next generation. Let these trees symbolize Don's love for his family and confidence in the future.
Jen, Louie, Jen, Sean, Kathy and Kevin. left a message on September 28, 2025:
Steve & Nikki, thinking of you during this difficult time. We're so sorry for your loss. The bad families are here for you and are sending our love.
Fox River Congregational Church Stephen Leader and Stephen M left a message on October 2, 2025:
In loving memory of Don, a great and inspiring Stephen Minister and Stephen Leader.Our deepest sympathy to Judy and family.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Donald Down . Plant a Tree
Anonymous left a message on September 30, 2025:
Thinking of you and your family and wishing you comfort and peace during this time. Much love, Your Global Sight & Sound Family
Basket of Memories was purchased for the family of Donald Down by Anonymous. Send Flowers
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Rick Schaefer left a message on September 30, 2025:
Judy, Wishing you peace to bring comfort and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. God bless.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Donald Down . Plant a Tree
Jon and Judy Hintzman left a message on September 30, 2025:
Our deepest sympathy to Judy and the entire family. We enjoyed many great times together! A night of bridge, a baseball game, a concert at Sharon Lynn Wilson or watching the July 4th parade in Brookfield to name a few. Don was a gentle man who always made us feel welcome into his home. His smile will always be remembered. We cherish our memories! With our love, Jon and Judy Hintzman
Anonymous left a message on September 29, 2025:
With loving memories of this humble soul. Herman and Alison Fletcher
Designer's Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of Donald Down by Anonymous. Send Flowers
A tree was also planted in memory of Donald Down
Laurel Lea Schaefer-Bozoukoff left a message on September 25, 2025:
To God be the glory for the gift of life, and life Eternal. May this Memorial tree grow and produce the beauty that is the essence of Don's legacy!
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Donald Down . Plant a Tree
Laurel Lea Schaefer-Bozoukoff left a message on September 25, 2025:
Heartfelt condolences to Judy, Brian, Stephen, and all the Down Family. on this sad news of Don's passing. Don's mother, Mildred (Schaefer), was my father's twin sister and also my Godmother. Many summers were spent visiting the Down family at their beautiful home in Wilmette, Illinois. Cousin Don, and his brother Ray, were always attentive and polite to their "kid" cousin and I was fascinated by Don's extensive train set and his ham radio. While living in North Carolina, Don and I had the pleasure of exchanging ancestral information about the Schaefer line of heritage. Don, and Judy, honored several significant turning points in my life including attending my wedding in 2015. I will miss Don immensely, however, there is a peace that comes knowing, "absent in the body, present with the Lord." Rest in peace, dear cousin, you have left a footprint on my heart! Laurel Lea Schaefer-Bozoukoff
Bo Gustavsson left a message on September 24, 2025:
It's with a heavy heart I read about Don's passing. I worked with Don during his stay in Pewaukee. He was always smiling and very kind. Before his retirement in 2005 we had some discussions about sailing. I think he was going to try Milwaukee Community Sailing Center. He suggested I try out a schooner cruise in Maine. I took his advise. Have now done it 6 times. Thank you Don! RIP!
Deb McLauchlin left a message on September 23, 2025:
Sending my deepest condolences to Judy and family . It was such a pleasure to serve with Don in Stephen Ministry. He was such a dedicated church member who lived his faith so genuinely.
Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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