Obituary for Donald "Donnie" Perso

Donald “Donnie" D. Perso 84, of West Salem (formerly of Bangor) passed away Thursday, June 16, 2022. Donnie was born October 20, 1937 to W. Jennings and Mildred Perso. He graduated from West Salem High School May of 1955. On June 15, 1974, he Married Eldoris Kneifl on St. Joseph Ridge. Donnie hauled milk for many area farmers then began working for the La Crosse County Hwy Department, from which he retired in 1999 . Donnie and Eldoris enjoyed retirement years with fishing trips up north with the Kneifl family, yearly trips to Las Vegas and enjoying a Carnival Cruise. Donnie's favorite "big fish" stories came with fishing trips to Nekoosa with his nephew, Brian. He also enjoyed many Perso family Screwie Louie card games. Donnie was an avid gardener making sure the shelves were stocked for the winter. He also was a great cook filling the freezer with homemade oxtail soup and chili. Donnie was well loved by nieces and nephews as he always had gum in his pocket to pass out and willing to play any game they wanted. And when a baby was teething, Donnie had the ultimate cure, Rub a little brandy on their gums” he would recommend; and for a upset tummy, just a little dip of peppermint on the tongue He is survived by his siblings, Charles (Judy) Perso of Leesburg, VA, Susan (Jerry) Vold of Port Edwards WI, and Robert (Verna) Perso of Kalama, WA; 4 nieces; 6 nephews; and siblings of the Kneifl Family. Preceding him in death were his parents, W. Jennings and Mildred Perso; his wife Eldoris; sister, Carol Wilhorn; and Carl Wilhorn. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 27, 2022, at Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Home Hwy 162 and Hattan St., Bangor. Pastor Clyde Ewers will officiate. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Bangor. A visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service, Monday, at the funeral home.