Donald J. Payne

Donald J. Payne, age 88 of Appleton, passed away Sunday, November 12, 2017 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton, shortly after watching his final Green Bay Packer game with his sons. Don was born in Neenah on November 30, 1928, son of the late Spencer and Viola (Kehl) Payne. He was a graduate of Neenah High School, and later married to Eva Kulogo on April 30, 1952 in Neenah; she survives. Don served four years in the United States Navy, beginning before his marriage to Eva. The couple was blessed with five children. For more than forty-two years, Don worked at Kimberly Clark’s Lakeview Mill. He loved watching sports of all kinds, especially the Packers and Brewers, enjoyed gardening, fishing, manicuring his lawn, swimming, taking long walks, and just being outside. He was a very active man; he always seemed to be busy with something.

He is survived by his wife: Eva Payne of Appleton; five children: Donna (James) Greenwood of Virginia, Debra Green of Little Chute, Daniel (Beverly) Payne of Appleton, Diana (John) Berg of Seymour, and Darryl (Patti) Payne of Appleton. There are also eleven grandchildren: Nicholas (Heather) Greenwood, Ann (Tim) Gruter, Jamie (David) Hilbmann, Scott Green, Jennifer (Eugene) Troyer, Jordan Payne, Kelly (fiancé Nick Clark) Murphy, Desirae Berg, Joshua Berg, Erica Payne, and Erin Payne. There are also fifteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. Don is also survived by a sister and two brothers: Shirley (Don) Dahl of Menasha, Robert (Pat) Payne of Fox Crossing, and Richard (Mary) Payne of Neenah. Don was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Spencer (Jeanne) Payne and Gordon Payne; and two grandchildren: Erin Murphy and Gregory Payne.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM at the Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior Street in Appleton. Full military honors for Don will be held at 5:00 PM.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the many caregivers who so lovingly looked after Don. They include the staff at the Emergency Room and ICU at ThedaCare – Appleton as well as everyone at Encircle Health Cancer Center. We will never forget your kindness.