Donald Dean Waller of Dellwood passed away Monday, January 18, 2016 at his home after a brief illness. Don was born on October 18, 1930 in Strongs Prairie Township, Adams County, Wisconsin to Oscar and Clara, (Rosgard) Waller. He grew up on the farm just north of Dellwood. Don graduated from Adams Friendship High School in 1948. Later in 1948 he and his friend, (and future brother-in-law) Ivan Smedbron drove to Mauston together and joined the United States Army.
Don served in the Army from 1948 until 1951. He was a member of the 3rd Army Infantry Division stationed initially in Fort Benning, Georgia before being sent to Korea.
In December of 1950 his unit was part of a task force assisting with the withdrawal of the 1St Marine Division from the Chosin Reservoir. His unit suffered heavy casualties. The war had a profound effect on Don and he considered himself lucky the rest of his life to have survived it. He was a life long member of the VFW.
After discharge from the Army in 1951 he began working at Osters Sunbeam Company in Milwaukee as a supervisor. On September 24, 1955 he married Betty Ann Barnes at the Dellwood Lutheran Church. They both lived and worked in Milwaukee until 1960 when they moved back to Adams County to own and operate Don and Betty’s Tavern in Dellwood until 1964. Don made many lifelong friends while running the bar.
After selling the tavern in 1964 Don worked various jobs before becoming an IBEW member and electrician in 1969. He was a very proud union member and loved working the electrical trade. His first few years he worked for Wolfe Electric in Wisconsin Rapids before moving on to work for other contractors including E-con Electric. He was always very grateful to Max Wolfe and Mickey Klein for helping him get started in the trade, and proud of his son and nephew for also becoming IBEW Journeymen.
Don retired in 1992. He spent his first retired years on his pontoon boat fishing on Castle Rock Lake, traveling with Betty to Arizona to visit relatives, and serving as an Elder at the United in Christ Lutheran Church in Dellwood. Don also enjoyed cars, polka music, working in the woods with his Ford tractor, gardening, and spending time with friends, neighbors, and family.
Don and Betty were married 56 years, until Betty’s death in August of 2012. Don was the youngest in his family and was the last surviving member. He was preceded in death by brothers Harold and Chet, sisters Bertha and Pearl, twin sisters Ada and Sada, and his twin sister Dorothy who died at birth. He is survived by sons Donald Scott Waller, (Liz), of Cambridge, Wisconsin, Jeff Waller, of Friendship, and David Waller of Dellwood. He is further survived by grandchildren Katie, Jon, Blaine, and Brandon, sisters in law Marge Waller and Lola Lord, sister and brother-in-law Lil and Jim Stormoen, and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, January 25, 2016, at the United in Christ Lutheran Church, 1857 Hwy Z in Dellwood, with Pastor Brian Crane officiating. There will be a gathering of family and friends from 11 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be at the South Arkdale Cemetery with military honors. Roseberrys Funeral Home in Friendship is assisting the family with arrangements. For further information please call (608) 339-3551.
Scott, Jeff, David and families,
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Another Dellwood icon is gone, but his memory will last a very long time…. Prayers to you all.
Prayers of comfort to the family
Scott, Jeff, and David,
My condolences on the passing of your Dad.
Scott and family, So sorry for your loss, prayers that all the fond memories will help heal the loss.
Scott, Jeff, and David,
Sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Your mom and dad were special people. I will always remember how your dad befriended my folks when we moved to Dellwood in 1968. He helped my dad learn to wire our house and also helped him do the job. He was one of the good guys, doing good deeds for friends and neighbors and never expecting anything in return. My sympathy and condolences on your family’s loss and hope good memories will comfort you during this time of grief.
Mike Jurgensen
Former resident of Dellwood, Wisconsin
So sorry for your loss. He will be missed at all of the Waller Reunions. My prayers are with you all. It is always hard to lose a loved one. I will not be able to make it to the service but you all will be in my thoughts.
Sorry to hear of your loss. Many wonderful memories.
Our Deepest Sympathies to your family.Don was a wonderful person and very kind heart. My thoughts and Prayers are with you all and God Bless.
Our sympathy to the Waller family.
Sorry to hear about the loss of Son,I did not know him well. I remember him when I was younger. I sorry I can not make it up there on Monday but I am very sorry about your loss. Bob andChris garlock, fort Atkinson was.
Condolences to the family. Makes me sad that another County history buff has left us. Lots of memories with this family and the small community of Dellwood that was so large to me growing up.
Sorry for your loss Jeff, our prayers for the family and your dad! May he rest in peace!
Sorry for your loss Jeff, our prayers go out for your father & family!
So sorry for your loss. Don was one in a million, he will be missed by many.
Jeff, Ray and I are sorry for your loss and sending our love and prayers to you and your family.
Uncle Don Rest in Peace – now you are with your loving wife again. To the families so sorry for your loss. Thinking of all of you at this time. I don’t think I can make it to the service I am not feeling well lately. sending LOVE and Hugs for all. you will be in my prayers.
To Don’s Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Praying for Peace and Comfort.
Jeff and family
So sorry for your loss always loved donnie as a neighbor
Friends always
John amell and family
Thinking of you at this sad time.
Waller Family – I’m sorry for your loss. I’m sure he and Mickey are having some good discussions!!
So sorry for your families loss
So sorry on your loss. May God family and friends comfort you during this difficult time.
Our Deepest Sympathies to your family.
So sorry for your loss. What a fun time everyone had at Don and Betty’s.Prayers for family and friends.
Jeff so sorry for your loss prayers to you and your family