Donald “Don” R. Sazama

Sazama, Donald R. “Don”, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on February 6th, 2021 at the age of 69. He is survived by Maribeth, his wife of almost 30 years, his son Michael (Jaime Voelz) Sazama and his daughter Nikki (Zachery) Meyer. Loving Grandpa “Tampa” of Adalyn, Lydia and Jack. Beloved twin brother to Diane “Toots” Sazama. Younger brother to Jacqueline Sazama and Cynthia Beyer. Older brother to Jeffrey Sazama. Also loved by many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Isabel.

Born February 6th, 1952, Don grew up in Milwaukee WI. In 1976, Don started his first business, a bar and restaurant known as Don’s Pub. Popular for Friday Fish Fry’s, it became a local favorite. In 1987 he left that business to follow his true calling and started Sazama Design Build Remodel LLC. For over 30 years, he grew the business from the ground up, creating new spaces for many clients who became great friends. His natural ability for space planning and design was unmatched. Don truly loved his work; it was his passion. His work ethic poured over into all aspects of his life; he had a love for helping family and friends whenever he could. He lived to make other’s lives better.

Don not only designed and remodeled for clients, but every house he owned became a labor of his love for architecture. He transformed all his residences into beautiful homes through his visions. Once complete, he moved to the next one and started it all over again. Don and Maribeth moved more than the average homeowner until they ended up in their most recent home in Elm Grove where Don designed and built their dream home.

When he was not working, he was looking for his next car. Conservatively, Don owned some 50 cars in his lifetime. From collector cars to modern cars, he loved them all. Washing and detailing them was just as exciting as driving them for Don. Many road trips he took with Maribeth were to car auctions.

Don loved being a father. His children were his greatest accomplishments, and he was so proud of them. Don became a grandfather a little over 9 years ago and his life from that point forward was dedicated to spending time with his granddaughters. He enjoyed going to the zoo, state fair trips which became a yearly tradition, eating donuts with them, watching their activities, family vacations, birthday parties and spoiling them at every opportunity. Don’s last year of life was blessed with the birth of his first grandson. He was able to see many of his “big firsts” and those memories will be cherished for a lifetime.

He touched and influenced many lives and will be greatly missed by all.

Memorials in Don’s name can be made to CurePSP or Wounded Warriors United of Wisconsin.

A memorial service to celebrate Don’s life will be held on Sunday, June 6th at the Wisconsin Club City Club, 900 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee 53233. Service at 1:00 PM. Following the service, the family would like you to join them for a small reception to honor Don.