Donald "Don" Vissers

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Don Vissers of The Villages, FL and De Pere, WI.

Born November 24, 1928, in De Pere to Martin and Nelly Vissers, Don graduated from De Pere High School and attended St. Norbert College until being drafted into the Navy. During the Korean War, Don served a second tour of duty with the Army. And many years later he loved his day in D.C. compliments of the Old Glory Honor Flight program.

Returning to De Pere, Don met Helen Ann Kasten on a blind date. The two married in 1952 and celebrated 69 ½ years of marriage.

Don worked for many years in the paper industry, beginning with Nicolet Paper. He left there to open Fox Converting and in retirement also started MegaBags. However, his true passion was with the Fire Department, where Don worked his way up the ladder and retired as De Pere’s Fire Chief, serving in that role for 16 years. During his tenure, the department grew to include rescue. Thanks to a grant from Fort Howard Foundation, the city’s first ambulance was obtained in 1974 and in 1978 licensed paramedics joined the team. The department also obtained a second location, opening a station on the city’s west side.

Don was a gifted athlete and true competitor. He boxed in high school and the Navy, frequented tennis and pickleball courts, bowled several 300 games and golfed in to his 90’s, getting his final hole in 1 at age 93. He thoroughly enjoyed sports and took great pride in watching this love develop in his children and grandchildren.

Don was also very involved in service work. He served as lieutenant governor of Kiwanis for the State of WI, served on the WI State Fire Chiefs Assoc, was a member of the emerging medical services and hazardous waste council, sat on the committee to start the 911 phone service, was president of De Pere Youth hockey, and more.

Don is survived by his daughter Mary, her husband Steve Buss and by grandchildren Bob (Amanda) Beckers, Brenda (Ben) Beckers, Katie Vissers and her children Noah and Nicholas and Sarah Vissers. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Fran Knutson and numerous nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his wife Ann in 2019, his son Bob in 2011 and his siblings Harold, Howard, Dorothy, Betty, and Ken.

Don appreciated all that life offered him and felt very blessed to live a great life. He loved growing up in De Pere, but The Villages FL stole his heart in retirement. He loved his OF golf friends and his neighborhood card games, and we'd like to thank those two groups for all their friendship and assistance the past few years. 

Family and friends may gather on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 from 10:00am until the time of Mass at 11:00am at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 220 S Michigan St De Pere. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Old Glory Honor Flight, www.oldgloryhonorflight.org/support/financial-support/ Please include Don's name so the family can acknowledge your kindness.