Donald W. DeMuth
FENCE, Wis. — Donald W. DeMuth, 85, of Florence and Fern, Wis., passed away Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Nu Roc Health & Rehab Center in Laona, Wis.
Donald was born April 15, 1941, in Chicago, son of the late Harry W. and Louise (Szemes) DeMuth. After graduating from Florence High School in 1959, Donald attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business, graduating in 1963. He enlisted in the United States Army Reserves. Donald served as a reservist in Vietnam from 1968 until 1969.
Donald lived in Alaska, and the majority of his life was working for the State of Alaska out of Juneau. He had worked for the State of Wisconsin for a number of years prior. After retiring from the State of Alaska, he worked for the railroad in Alaska for the next 10 years. Upon full retirement, Don would travel and spend his winters in Florida, and in the early spring and later fall, would spend it on the family farm in Fern before returning back to Alaska for the summers.
Donald was an outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, and snowmobiling. He loved his property in Alaska and all things nature, and was a good conservationist.
Survivors include his sisters, Marilyn DeMuth-Nakamoto of Green Bay, Wis., and Karen DeMuth-Berger of Charlotte, N.C.; three nieces, Mindy Nakamoto of St. Paul, Minn., Dr. Erica Berger-Manousos (George), of Mint Hill, N.C., and Laura Berger (Kyle Davidson) of Chicago; and great-niece Eva Manousos and great-nephew Leo Manousos both of Mint Hill.
In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, Thomas Nakamoto and Kenneth Berger.
A graveside service will be held on Sunday, July 12, at 1 p.m. at Fence Cemetery in Fence, Wis. Pastor Tim Smith will officiate.
Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Donald’s family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com.
The family has chosen Jacobs Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Iron Mountain, to honor Donald’s legacy of life.
