Donald P. Kerr

POYNETTE - Donald P. Kerr, age 74, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, while vacationing in Florida.

He was born October 13, 1935, in West Bend, WI.  He grew up in Poynette, WI, and graduated from Poynette High School in 1953.  He later graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 1957 with a degree in Physical Education.  He then received a master of education at the UW in 1959.  He later completed post-graduate work in Russian History at Duke University.

Don was a well respected teacher, coach, father, and grandfather.  A favorite quote of his was from John Wooden “Make each day your masterpiece.”  Don did just that.  His teaching and basketball coaching career took him from Blanchardville to Cashton and ending up in Merrill.  His coaching career spanned 15 years, while his teaching career spanned 35 years.  He was also a high school basketball referee for 13 years throughout the state of Wisconsin.  He served many years as a Conference Commissioner for the Marawood Conference (10 years), Wisconsin Valley Conference (18 years), and the Central Wisconsin Conference (9 years).

A favorite time of year for him was the WIAA high school girls and boys state basketball tournament.  He recently worked the tournament as the TV stations statistician for his 35th year, while attending his 60th state tournament.

Part of Don’s coaching career was spent as the Director of the Milwaukee Bucks youth basketball camps.  He enjoyed working these camps with long time friend, the late Al McGuire.  A highlight of Don’s career was being inducted in to the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2006. 

Most of all, Don enjoyed his family.  He loved spending time at his home on the Wisconsin River, with his wife of almost 52 years.  He was an avid sports fan, and enjoyed volunteering to be the announcer at both Poynette girls and boys basketball games.  His greatest pride came from watching his seven grandsons compete, sing, or play the guitar…and always with his stats in his hand.

He is survived by his wife, Judy; five children, Mike (Denise) Kerr of Sun Prairie, Barb (Mark) Riha of Oak Creek, Jim (Jeanne) Kerr of Sun Prairie, Suzi Kerr of Poynette, and TJ (Ken) Rantala of Sun Prairie.  He also has seven grandsons, Travis & Tyler Kerr (Sun Prairie), Austin & Sam Kerr (Sun Prairie), Alex & Ben Riha (Oak Creek) and Tanner Kerr (Poynette). Don was preceded in death by his parents, Helen & Milton Kerr of Poynette; and by his son, Brad.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 11, 2010 at POYNETTE HIGH SCHOOL, with Rev. Alan Boeck and Rev. Gary Schultz officiating.  Burial will be private. Visitation will be held on Sunday, from 10:00 am until 1:00 p.m., at the high school.  Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Poynette is assisting the family.

Flowers may be sent to Poynette High School.

Memorials may be sent to:
Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home
430 W. Wisconsin St.
Portage, WI  53901