Donald "Don" Raymond Zuehlke, age 71, of Shawano, WI, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, June 23, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born on August 8, 1953, in Reedsburg, WI, Don grew up with a deep love for the outdoors and a lifelong curiosity for the world around him. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point in 1975 with degrees in biology and natural resources. That same year, he embarked on a nine-month backpacking journey through Southeast Asia and Europe—an adventure that reflected his independent spirit and love for travel.

On September 4, 1982, Don married Marianne (McNichols) in Stevens Point. Together, they built a life raising their three children. After briefly living in Meade, Kansas, they settled in Shawano, WI, in 1989, where Don devoted himself to supporting his family and their home.

Don worked for many years in the natural gas pipeline industry before retiring in 2014. Known for his resourcefulness and strong work ethic, he was always ready to lend a hand, offer advice, or tackle a new project. He believed in working hard and helping others.

He was a passionate fan of Wisconsin sports, cheering for the Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Badgers. Don enjoyed music, animals, sweets, and a good laugh. His legendary dance moves lit up countless wedding receptions, and his love for fishing, especially from a kayak or paddleboat, brought him great joy. In recent years, he found a new favorite pastime in pickleball, which he played enthusiastically in both Wisconsin and Florida.

Don is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Marianne; his children: Sara (Daniel) Guild and their children Corrine (Jordan) DeBauche, Corissa Hutmaker, and Xavier Guild; Kevin (Tia) Zuehlke and their sons James and Ryan; and Caitlin (Greg) Neatrour. He is also survived by his brother Russ (Mary) Zuehlke; sister Terri Brooks; sisters-in-law Jane (Ken) Zuehlke and Debbie (Bill) Zuehlke; many nieces and nephews; in-laws; and a wide network of extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Ault; stepfather, Donald Ault; father, Sherman Zuehlke; brothers Kenneth and William (Bill) Zuehlke; and his parents-in-law, Audrey and Jim McNichols.

Don faced life's hardships with bravery and faith, always putting family first and making sure they never went without what truly mattered. His strength, humor, and unwavering love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held on Friday June 27, 2025, at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano with Fr. Edward Looney officiating. Visitation will begin on Thursday at 5:00 pm with a Parish Wake Service at 6:00 pm. Visitation will continue on Friday at the church from 10:00 am until the time of service. Burial will be held in Union Cemetery in Hortonville, WI at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. https://www.wisconservation.org/give/