Donald J. Elrick

Donald J. Elrick Age 75, with his family together, Don passed away after a short battle with lung cancer. Fighting and taking on the pain of cancer like only he could until our Mom and God called him to be together again on July 2, 2022. Near the end when one of the grandchildren visited, there was an extra bit of energy Dad would squeeze out. The grandkids were Don and Karen’s pride and joy. From football to concerts to dance to soccer to softball to basketball, Don and Karen rarely missed an event that any of them participated in. Don has been a member of St. John Nepomucene Church in Little Chute.

Dad lived life the way he wanted. Some even would say rebellious in his younger years! He would lend a hand to anyone that needed help and he instilled a work ethic in his children that will live on in them and his grandchildren. Don worked hard from an early age delivering pizzas for his dad at Jack’s Pizza. He made lifelong friendships working for Don Hietpas & Sons. He was a welder and fabricator at Lee’s Welding and then part owner in Fox River Fabrication. He truly loved driving semi for Ray and Maggie Coenen at Coenen Transit and then for Dave Van Handel at Midwest Carriers until retirement. Joanne and I learned early that you flash your lights to let the semi know it is clear to merge back! He loved old muscle cars and was fortunate to find a Plymouth Satellite convertible to drive in recent years. There wasn’t a John Wayne movie he had not seen multiple times. Cowboy movies, T.V. car auctions, Blue Bloods, NCIS and reading were some things that got dad thru the days since mom’s passing. Don was a lifelong Chicago Bears fan. He instilled this in his children as well which included attending numerous games against their rival to the north.

Don was born on Dec. 5, 1946, to John (Jack) and Irene Elrick. He and Karen were united in marriage on Jan. 9, 1970, and they shared nearly 49 years together until her passing, raising a son, John and daughter, Joanne.

Don is survived by his children John (Jenny) of Little Chute and Joanne (Gregg) Michalski of Hobart. His five grandchildren: Brandon, Alyssa and Claire Elrick; Paige and Kendra Michalski. He is further survived by his brother: Jeff (Connie) Elrick and sister: Lynn Elrick, sisters-in-law: Mary Elrick, Lynne (Jim) Milhaupt and Mary (Bob) Zuleger; numerous nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife: Karen, parents: Jack and Irene Elrick and Karen’s parents: Jim and Flave Belling (Jim Nagel), sister: Pat Bundy and brother: Bob Elrick.

The funeral service for Don will be held Friday, July 15, where family and friends are invited. Visitation from 3–5 p.m. with Christian burial Mass to follow at St. John Church, 323 Pine St., Little Chute, with Father Ron Belitz officiating. Internment will take place in St. John Cemetery. All are welcome to gather at Village Limits, 1721 E. Main St., Little Chute after the service to honor Don with the celebration he wanted.

The family would like to thank the wonderful people at St. Paul Hospice. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Spierings Cancer Foundation/Rock Cancer or the memorial fund that was established for a scholarship in memory of Karen for Freedom High School. For more information or to share a memory of Don, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com

“Never Die Easy…Remember tomorrow is promised to no one.” – Walter Payton