Donald Francis Pottner

Donald Francis Pottner, age 89 of Appleton, WI died peacefully with his loved ones at his side on April 17, 2023.  Don was born on December 23, 1933 in Neenah, WI to the late Gregory and Lorraine (Kloepfel) Pottner. 

Don was the second oldest of seven children.  He attended St. Patrick’s Grade School and graduated from Menasha High School with the class of ’51. 

Don joined the United States Marine Corps in 1953 and served for two years, stationed in Camp Pendleton, California before leaving for Japan and Korea.  He served in the 1^st Marine Division Amtraks and the 3^rd Marine Division in Japan.  Don was a proud veteran who liked to regale anyone he met with his stories from the Marine Corps. 

Once he returned from Korea, Don began a forty plus year career at American National Can, both as a pressman and foreman in the printing division and then ten years in the graphic arts division.  Outside of his work and family, he had a real passion for golf.  His love of golf started at a young age when he was a caddie at North Shore Country Club.  He turned that love into a lifetime of playing around the country with his family and friends and going to any tournaments that came into town.  He inspired his wife Sharon, all five of his children, and many of his grandchildren to play golf to this day. 

Don married Sharon Suttner in December of 1971.  Over the years, they enjoyed many trips with their friends and family, with some of their best times being spent in Palm Desert and Las Vegas.  They spent their retirement years living in Cecil, where cherished memories were made with grandkids, family, and friends.  Don and Sharon were fortunate to celebrate their 50^th wedding anniversary with their loved ones recently. 

Don was our beloved patriarch and was so proud of his entire family.  He could often be heard saying he was the luckiest guy in the world while toasting his loved ones with a glass of cabernet. 

Don is survived by his loving wife, Sharon; his children, Chris Pottner, Kirk (Susie) Pottner, Julie (John) Severson, Jill (Mark) Hubert, and Amy (Mark) Lodes; his grandchildren, Paul (Kathleen) Richards, Tom Severson, Chris Richards (Carley), Paige Severson, Laura Pottner (Carter), Emily (Jeff) Kozeluh, Rachael Pottner (Chris), Madeline Severson (Tai), Katy Hubert, and Patrick, Caroline, and Sam Lodes; Andrew Lodes: Don and Sharon’s favorite helper; his great-grandchildren, Bailey, Riley, Avery, and Remi Richards; his siblings, Tom (Barb) Pottner, Sally Swiechowski, and Marlene (Vernon) Johann; his sister-in-law, Peggy (Ron) Kleczewski; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended relatives, and dear friends. 

In addition to his parents, Don is preceded in death by his siblings, Greg Pottner, Bill Pottner, and Carole Voissem; his parents-in-law, Alex and Marie Suttner, his brothers-in-law, Jim Voissem and John Swiechowski; and his nephew, Michael Johann.

A memorial visitation will be held for Don on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 from 9-11 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 516 Depere St, Menasha, WI 54952 with a mass to follow at 11 AM.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Fox Valley Memory Project in Menasha in honor of Don using the link below.

Don’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the ER staff at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton for their care and compassion shown to Don and his family. 

“I’m the luckiest guy in the world!” - Don

Donate to the Fox Valley Memory Project: https://www.foxvalleymemoryproject.org/donate/