Donald G. Szmanda

May 19, 1952 - January 16, 2023

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Wisconsin Memorial Park

13235 West Capitol Drive

Brookfield, Wisconsin 53005

Private inurnment with military honors was held on June 24, 2023. A private celebration of Don’s life was held on June 25, 2023.

In memory of Don, charitable contributions would be appreciated to: educational funds for his grandchildren, Rogers Behavioral Health Foundation, American Diabetes Association or American Heart Association.

Don will join his loved ones in heaven including father, Robert (2004); mother, Lucille (2019), brothers, Robert Jr. (Cathy) and William (Sandra), and sister, Mary (Jeff Waller).

Left to cherish Don’s memory are his loving sons: Eric (Chad), Robert (Jill), and Brett (Kelly); grand-daughter, Leilah, and step-grandchildren, Jada and Richard. Don also leaves behind the mother of his children, Elaine (nee Enders) Szmanda; his former wife, Carilyn Carlson; step-son, Christopher (Shaunna) Witwicki, and step granddaughters, Emma and Ellie.

Don is further survived by his siblings, Margaret (Brian) Vanderwarn, Jeffrey, Thomas (Jeanne) and Timothy Szmanda; Goddaughters, Kristine and Angela; his cousin, Joanie (Tom) Burmeister; special friends: Tom (Debbie) Ewert, Patti (Craig) Robertson, and Rudy Ramstack ; his Army buddy, Bill McTague, and many other family members and dear friends.

Donnie, as he was known to his family and friends, graduated from East Troy High School in 1971. He was an Army veteran and served as an Artillery Specialist in Hawaii and in the National Guard. He was honorably discharged and received a National Defense Service Medal.

He inherited sales traits from his father, and Don used these skills in his upholstery business, as an insurance and mortgage broker, and as a sales and customer service representative for a medical equipment provider. He was certified as a Hearing Instrument Specialist in 2004 and worked for Avada Hearing Care and Miracle Ear where he excelled in the sales and servicing of hearing aids, until his early retirement in 2014.

Don enjoyed everything to do with cars, riding motorcycles and boating. He loved attending carnivals and concerts, often referring to himself as the King of Rock ‘n Roll.

Don’s charitable work included helping people who struggled with addiction, through the Redemptorist Center in Oconomowoc and the Father Joe Hunt Retreat. He was a speaker at Rogers Behavioral Health Center. He sponsored and supported many people in their recovery.

A private celebration of life was held on June 25. Don was laid to rest at a private service on June 24 with military honors at Wisconsin Memorial Park Cemetery.

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Wisconsin Memorial Park

13235 West Capitol Drive

Brookfield, Wisconsin 53005

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Private inurnment with military honors was held on June 24, 2023. A private celebration of Don’s life was held on June 25, 2023.

Don will join his loved ones in heaven including father, Robert (2004); mother, Lucille (2019), brothers, Robert Jr. (Cathy) and William (Sandra), and sister, Mary (Jeff Waller). Left to cherish Don’s memory are his loving sons: Eric (Chad), Robert (Jill), and Brett (Kelly); grand-daughter, Leilah, and step-grandchildren, Jada and Richard. Don also leaves behind theContinue Reading

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So sorry to hear of Don's passing. We lived in the same subdivision for years. Our youngest, Tim grew up with his best friends Rob and Brett. We played a lot of Sheepshead. Don had such a good sense of humor. He was really a nice guy.

I am so sorry to find out of Dons Passing. We were in the same Platoon stationed in Hawaii. We had ALOT of good times then. He was a good friend. Last time I talked to him was late 90s. Again so sorry.

My thoughts and prayers are with Don’s family for loss. My Army days with Don are so filled with so many treasured memories. Rest in peace My Friend. While it wasn’t nearly enough, So happy that we got to spend some time together. 💔

So very sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.

Don was a great guy and had a good sense of humor. He enjoyed life and enjoyed people! He was always willing to help others. We had a lot of fun times with Don and Carilyn! He will be missed by many.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I was so sorry to hear about Don's passing. Don, Elaine and the boys lived behind me in Mukwonago for several years. Don actually made a delicious casserole for my family after the passing of my husband Larry. It's hard to believe that was 25 years ago. The last time I saw Don was at the wedding of Bob and Eliza and we ended up sitting at the same table. Maybe Don and Larry are playing horseshoes together.

I’m am so saddened to hear that we have lost Don. What started for me as a solution to my hearing loss developed into a friendship and Harley riding companion. To Don’s family, you have lost a big man with an even bigger heart. We all have. And we grieve with you.

My condolences to the Szmanda Family. May His Memory Be A Blessing

My sincere condolences. I worked with Donny and his brother Bill back in the 80’s. Donny was well liked and always a hard worker. He was one of the best salespeople we had.

In memory of Donald G. Szmanda, Bob Pearson lit a candle

My wishes for healing and completion go to all of the Szmanda family. I only knew Don through his son, Eric. But if Eric is an indication of his dad's significance, Donald Szmanda brought much that was good into the world.

Sincerest, heart-felt condolences from our family to yours. Prayers for comfort and peace are being sent your way.

ANOTHER JOURNEY When one journey ends, another one begins. Though someone you love started a new journey. It's the way life is. The path we are on becomes empty, because they are not here. In our hearts they will always be, and our journey is not as lonely. They are now with their creator, where they feel no pain. Their creator can comfort, and guide them on the journey they are on. Though they are not with us, the path of our journey must continue. The creator is here to help us through the pain, and loss we feel. Someday when the journey we are on comes to an end, then we will know, (why). Until then we have to walk the path of life, but we don't walk alone. Our family and friends are with us, this life is all we have, for now.

Where Did They Go? When someone you love isn't here no more. Where did they go? I just don't know. Where ever they went is better than here. It must be a place without fear.Though they are not here to touch and feel in our hearts is where they will always stay. Words can help to take the pain away.Your family, and friends are near, if you need help to cry and pray. Where and why they had to go? The answer to this question, someday we will all know. Today I can cry for those I love so, but then I have to move on, live life as I know. They are at peace, and we should be too. For they are on a new journey, where all their dreams can come true. Peace be in your heart.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.

Donald G. Szmanda

Brookfield

Brown Deer Road

Capitol Drive

New Berlin