Donald D. Rommel, 78, of  Mindoro, WI died Saturday, September 20, 2008 at the Morrow Memorial Home, Sparta. He was born on September 23, 1929 in West Salem, WI to William and Hazel (Tooley) Rommel.

     As a younger man he worked as a wood cutter in the Mindoro area until joining the U.S. Army during the Korean War. His military duties included participating in the first atomic testing in Nevada. Donald served from July 25, 1952 until receiving an honorable discharge on July 24, 1954.

     In the late 1950’s, he relocated to the Kenosha, WI area where he was employed and retired from American Motors Corporation, returning to the Mindoro area in 1981.

     Donald was an avid hunter and fisherman throughout his life. In his later years his passion was for gardening. He will be loved, remembered and missed by family and friends.

     He is survived by four daughters, Donna (Rich) Brawner of Bangor, Diane (Dewey) Olson of Mindoro, Darlene (Bob) Koopman of Onalaska, Danita (Chuck) Edell of Rockland; eight grandchildren, Richy (Chrissi) Brawner, Erin Brawner, Dawn (Eric) Carbary, Danielle Olson, Stacy Rommel, Amy Molstad, May Lynn Edell, Charlene Edell; 11 great grandchildren, Brett, Brianna, Zachary, Jillian, Christian, Joshua, McKenzie, Vanessa, Justice, Alex, and Theodora; a brother, Duane (Jean) Rommel of Mindoro; three sisters, Marian Stetzer of La Crosse, Loretta (Don) Fennigkoh of Sparta, Barbara Wyse of Onalaska; many nieces, and nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Denise Ann Rommel, a grandson, Brian Donald Brawner, a granddaughter, Deilya Ellen Olson, a great grandson, Bernard Richard Brawner IV; a sister, Anita Evenson, and a brother, William Rommel Jr.

     Funeral services will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta with Reverend Randy Larson officiating. Burial with full military honors provided by V.F.W. Post 2112 will be Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Cataract Cemetery, Cataract.

     Friends may call at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services.

     The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.