Donald Straus

Donald T. Straus - Age 80, born Dec. 2, 1944, sadly left our world on March 9, 2025, after a long and heroic battle with cancer. Don died at home surrounded by family. Don Graduated from Kaukauna High School, Class of 1963 and was an alumni of Marquette University, Class of 1968. Don was a physical therapist who used his degree in service to the Kaukauna community. He touched the lives of all the students and athletes he came in contact with during his 35+ years of volunteering as a medical professional, cook, assistant coach, father figure, big brother and whatever else was needed. He was the recipient of the 2023 Alumni Award honoring his years of volunteering for the Kaukauna School District. He served for 12 years on the Kaukauna School Board and 17 years with the United States Army Reserves. He spent some of his happiest days enjoying the peace and serenity at the family cabin in the north woods. Although Don lived his life to the fullest spending time with his very special friend group including Dan (deceased) and Shirley Van Dyke, Howie and Pat Steffen and Joel and Lisa Janssen, his pride and joy were his children and grandchildren. Of special mention, his only grandson, Mason, who he shared a very special, unbreakable bond. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 57 years: Lois (Kauer); his first born: daughter Kelly (Eric) Diedrick of Kaukauna, and his only son: Korey (Victoria) Straus of Lakeville, Minn.; grandchildren; Mason (fiancé Madison Plate) Diedrick, Cecelia Diedrick and Kayla and Mykena Straus. Don is preceded in death by his parents: August and Adeline Straus; parents-in-law: Lawrence and Cecelia Kauer; brothers: Milo Straus, and twin brother: Ronald Straus; brothers-in-law: Tom Kuchelmeister and Lee Richard; and sister-in-law: Eileen Kettner. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, at Holy Spirit Parish, W2806 County Road KK, Appleton. Visitation will be at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com. The family would like to extend a special thank you to St. Paul Elder Services Center of Rehabilitations Therapists, nurses and caregivers who made it possible for Don to return to his home for his final days. The family cannot express the level of gratitude they have for the St. Paul hospice team, namely Dariya, DeeJay, Micki and Julie who provided exceptional care, compassion and support to Don and his family. Don, you are my soul mate and my heart’s inspiration, my best friend and the love of my life. You have made such an impact on so many lives, in so many ways. I will always love you! Lois (Wife) My Dad was an awesome gift giver, my badger hat (Barry) is my prized possession. The greatest gift he ever gave me was his knowledge, support and guidance both personally and professionally. Seeing the looks on my patients faces when I would say, “hang on I have to call my dad “when I needed to be re-assured about a technique I was using or ask his advice was priceless. I would quickly reply, “Oh, my dad is a PT too” and watch them breathe a sigh of relief. I’m on my own now, so for all of my current and future patients, if you see me close my eyes while I’m thinking don’t panic … I’m just asking dad what to do. I will never stop missing you dad. Kelly (Daughter) My grandfather showed me so many new things and taught me more about life than most. He was kind, generous, intelligent and always so patient with me. I will miss sitting with him in the basement talking about all the interesting things of the world. We would have long conversations where he would challenge my view and ideas. He made me a better person and an even better man. Although I know he will be watching my every move from heaven, I will miss him dearly here on earth. Mason (Grandson)

Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home, 101 Canal St., Little Chute, WI 54140, 920-788-3321, www.verkuilenfh.com