Surnames: Anderson, Bunde, Irgens, Johnson, Kelk, Kirchhoff, Kramer, Mesang, Myhers, Olson, Schelin, Wahl, Wheeler, Wheeler-Lambert

----Source: The Tribune Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., WI), Vol. 48, No. 10, Wed., March 5, 2008, p. 19

Mesang, Donald L. (1 Apr. 1925 - 3 Mar. 2008)

Donald L. Mesang, age 82, of Eau Claire, passed away Monday evening March 3, 2008, at Dove Healthcare after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Don was born on April 1, 1925, in Eau Claire to Charles and Myrtle (Anderson) Mesang. He graduated in 1943 from Eau Claire Senior High School and enlisted in the United States Marines and served in World War II until he was honorably discharged in 1946. He married Sylvia Johnson on June 28, 1947, at Grace Lutheran Church in Eau Claire. He worked at Uniroyal for over 35 years in the inspection department before retiring in 1982. After his retirement, he kept busy by working summer months at a youth bible camp in North Carolina, driving rental cars to and from Minneapolis Airport for National and Budget, and he volunteered at the High Ground. He enjoyed meeting the guys for coffee, walking the mall on Sundays, riding his bike around east side hill, camping in his motor home, Saturday church breakfasts, and collecting one more hat.

Don is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sylvia; six children, Donna (Chic) Bunde of Elk Mound, Robert (Kathy) Mesang of Leesburg, Fla., Mark Mesang of Eau Claire, Nancy (Dwight) Kramer of Abbotsford, David Mesang of Owatonna, Minn., and Joan (Gregg) Wheeler of Eau Claire; eight grandchildren, Melissa Schelin of Indian Trails, N.C., Caleb Wheeler of Eau Claire, Jamie Mesang of Eau Claire, Emmaline (Scott) Wheeler-Lambert of Bellingham, Wash., Matthew Mesang of Boca Raton, Fla., Brianna Mesang of Eau Claire, Rachel Kramer of Appleton, and Garrett Mesang of Eau Claire; two great-grandsons, Hunter and Max Schelin of Indian Trails, N.C. Don is further survived by his brother, Jim (Bev) Wahl of Eau Claire; and sister, Betty (Jerry) Myhers of Minneapolis, Minn.; sister-in-laws, Jean Wahl and Lillia Olson; brother-in-laws, Ver Kirchhoff and Lyle Kelk; nieces, nephews, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert C. Mesang and William Wahl; sister, Margaret Kelk; step-father, Otto Wahl; sister-in-laws, Dolores Kirchhoff and Arvella Johnson; brother-in-laws, Oscar Olson, and Clinton and Alfred Johnson. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 7, 2008, at Grace Lutheran Church, 202 W. Grand Avenue, Eau Claire. Pastor David Irgens will preside. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Eau Claire immediately following the service. American Legion Post #53 will conduct military honors. Friends may visit at Fuller-Speckien-Hulke Funeral Home on Thursday evening from 4-7 p.m. and at the church Friday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of services.

Friends may offer condolences online at http://www.fullerspeckien.com.

Fuller-Speckien-Hulke Funeral Home (715) 832-5002, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701, is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Paid Obituary 10-80468