Donald A. Hutjens

Donald A. Hutjens, 89, Ledgeview, concluded a well-lived life on Monday, July 24, 2023. Don was born November 17, 1933, the first child of the late Germaine (Liebergen) and Henry Hutjens. He grew up on the family dairy farm in rural De Pere. Don served his country in the US Army in post-WW II Germany, returned to De Pere, and married his sweetheart and dance partner, Carol Klipstine, on August 3, 1957. For decades, they lived in a home built across the road from his father’s dairy farm.

Don started his career with Kerscher Metal Service and was a Teamster truck driver at Foreway and Yellow Truck Lines for over 25 years. People may also remember him from his years of bartending part time at the Swan Club. In the summer, Don always enjoyed working in the garden and sharing the fruits of his labors with neighbors, friends, and family. As his children grew older, camping became a shared family experience. The annual group camping trip to Spectacle Lake highlighted each year. As winter approached, the snowmobiles were tuned up for the hundreds of miles “put on the machines” each year. Don volunteered for the Ledgeview Snowmobile Club marking the local snowmobile trails. He was an avid Sheepshead card player, loved dancing, and listening to polka music. He was happiest with visits from his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Carol; children, Keith (Pascal Walther) Hutjens of Lausanne, Switzerland; Kathy (Bruce) Bauknecht of De Pere; Kirk (Michelle) Hutjens of Orlando, FL; and Kaye (Brian) Isola of Cary, IL; his grandchildren Ben (Diana), Bill (Mandy Walton), and Brittany Bauknecht; Taylor and Parker Hutjens; Kristi and Nikki Isola; and great-grandchildren Mathew and Natalie Pinto; and Bella and Brooks Bauknecht; sisters and brother; Rose Ann (Gerry) Van Lanen, Doris Mancheski, Janet Krautkramer, LaVerne (Francis) DeCleene, Susie (Alan) Tetzlaff, and Dale (Winnie) Hutjens. Surviving sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law include: Alvin Miller, Elaine Muesbeck, Lois (David) McAllister, Ralph (Janet) Klipstine, and Bill (Peggy) Klipstine. Many nieces and nephews survive him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Alfred and Elsie Klipstine; sister Annice and her husband Ron DeCleene; sister-in-law Ruth Miller; brothers-in-law Don Muesbeck and Ferdie Mancheski; and granddaughter Hannah Hutjens.

Special thanks to the Rennes Group staff for their care of Don and ongoing care to Carol. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Don’s name to St. Mary Catholic Church, 4805 Sportsman Drive, De Pere, WI 54115.

Friends and family may call at the Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Ave., De Pere, on Sunday, July 30, 2023 from 4:00 pm until the time of parish prayer service at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue at St. Mary Catholic Church-Ledgeview, 4805 Sportsman Dr., De Pere on Monday, July 31 from 9:00 am until 10:45 am. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Don at 11:00 am with Rev. Michael Ingold officiating. Burial at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery.

Cotter Funeral & Cremation Care is assisting the family.