Donald J. Du Chateau

Donald J. Du Chateau (Don), age 92, found peace in our Lord on Monday, April 29, 2019, after a short illness with cancer and three blocked coronary arteries. Don was born on January 15, 1927 to Ervin and Delores Du Chateau of Nadeau, Michigan.

Don worked at the Marathon Paper Mill in Menasha for January of 1944 until September of 1944 when he joined the Navy. Don was assigned to the USSS Siboney carrier and served from September 21, 1944 until July 17, 1946, when he was released with an honorable discharge. Don returned to the Marathon Paper Mill in 1946 and worked in the wax refinery. On April 7, 1947, he married the love of his life, Dolores E. Eckes, and on July 4, 1950, they had a daughter whom they named Darlene. Don retired in 1983 from the Marathon Paper Mill to care for his wife, Dolores.

Don had many hobbies that included bowling, golfing, crocheting, playing cards, collecting unusual things, and being a caregiver to many friends and family members throughout his life. Besides being a caregiver to his wife Dolores, he also cared for his mother, his mother-in-law, and his daughter’s godmother. Even in his final days, he kept repeating, “take care of my daughter, Darlene.”

Don loved spending the holidays at his daughter’s house with the family. He looked forward to the pinochle games with his grandsons and the board games with the grandchildren. He was especially fond of his daughter’s homemade candy during the Christmas holiday.

Don is survived by his loving daughter: Darlene (Fred) Sturm; two grandsons: Michael (Jennifer) Sturm and Randy (Thiane) Sturm; his great-grandchildren are Shayla and Max; and step-great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by his sister: Lois Stritch; and a sister-in-law: Cindy Du Chateau.

Don was preceded in death by his wife Dolores, his parents Ervin and Delores Du Chateau, his sister Elaine Hall, and his brother James Du Chateau.
The funeral liturgy for Don will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, located at 222 E. Fremont Street in Appleton, with Fr. Jon Thorsen officiating. To celebrate Don’s life, family and friends are invited to gather in the Sacred Heart Room of the church from 9:00 AM until the time of the service.

The family would especially like to thank the staff at Willow Lane Assisted Living, especially co-owner Ron Wolfe for their caring, compassionate, and loving treatment. The family would also like to thank Compassus Hospice for keeping Don as comfortable as possible during his final days, as well as for their care, concern, and family support.