Donald Doersch

Donald "Don" Louis Doersch, age 85, passed away on Friday, August 4, 2023 at ThedaCare Hospital in Appleton. Don had suffered from congestive heart failure and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) for many years. He was born in the Town of Osborn on September 4, 1937, the son of the late Harvey and Alice (Blake) Doersch. He went to grade school at the North Osborn Grade School and then to Seymour High School, graduating in 1956.

Don was a baptized and confirmed member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Seymour, serving in various positions through the years.

He then entered the Army serving from 1956 to 1959 with 16 months in Korea. On August 26th, 1958 he married Shirley Barth, his high school sweetheart, daughter of the late Emil and Dorothy Barth, and would have celebrated 65 years of marriage.

Don was a sales representative for 20 plus years traveling Wisconsin, Illinois and Missouri. Being tired of traveling and away from home, he and his wife purchased Seymour Shoes and Boots (the former Kraft Shoe Store) in Seymour in 1977 with additional help from their son, Jeff. Because of the recession in 1978 they had to close the store in 1983.

Don then went back to school to obtain a realty license and started Omni 54 Realty for 4 1/2 years. Another recession forced him to look elsewhere.

He worked for a garage door company and in 1994 started his own business called Doersch Garage Door Services with his son, Jeff. He retired in 2014, transferring the business ownership to his son.

Don enjoyed hunting and fishing until his declining health, but then he enjoyed cards and games with family and friends. Don was also a "Friend of Bill W." for many years and was a mentor to many.

Don is survived by his faithful and loving wife, Shirley; two sons: Jeff (Kate) of Seymour, Bill (Connie) of Appleton; daughter, Patti (Tim) Selle of Appleton and her daughters: Kaylie, Megan (Ryan) Meyerhofer, Abby (friend Colin), and Erin (friend Sam); two great-grandsons: Hysen and Deklan; and new baby great-grandchild due in November.

He is further survived by a brother: Duane (Virginia) Doersch, Seymour; sister, Janice (Tom) Thompson, Appleton; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Judy Doersch, Mountain, Marian (Robert) Rohloff, Appleton, Darlene (Rich) Loga, Hartford; also many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Alice Doersch, brothers: Darrel (Rosie) Doersch, James (Judy) Doersch, and Ken Doersch; brother-in-law, Eugene (Betty) Barth; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Emil and Dorothy Barth; aunts and uncles.

Visitation for Don will take place at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Seymour, on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 from 9:00 am until the funeral service at 11:30 am with Pastor Ty Stoneburner officiating. Burial will take place at Emmanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Seymour.

Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home, Seymour, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to Don's family at www.muehlboettcher.com

Don loved his Lord and Savior and is now at peace with Him in heaven, but we will miss him dearly.

The family would like to thank Mary Greuel and her rescue team, the emergency staff, ICU staff, and hospital chaplain at ThedaCare Appleton for your extraordinary care and compassion.