Donald R. Zuther

PORTAGE  -- Donald R. Zuther, age 79, passed away on June 29, 2016, at Divine Savior Healthcare in Portage.

Don was born on February 24, 1937, to the late Max and Hermine Zuther in Rib Lake, Taylor County, Wisconsin. He graduated from Rib Lake High School in 1955, and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1956 to 1960. He attended the University of Minnesota in the Mortuary Science Program, obtaining an Associate’s Degree in Mortuary Science in 1965. He served his internship with the Taylor Funeral Home in Merrill, Wisconsin, and obtained both his Wisconsin and Minnesota licenses in 1966.  Don moved to Portage and was employed by Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Homes until 1972. Don was married to Loretta Dalton in 1967.  In the fall of 1972, Don began working for the State of Wisconsin, UW Medical School, and served over the years in the Pathology, Physiology and Anatomy Departments, retiring in 1999.  Don was a member of the Lions Club in Portage, and was also active in the Portage Citizens Policy Academy. 

He is survived by his wife Loretta; daughters, Michelle (Timothy) Sutfin of Portage and Mary Ellen of Portage; grandson, Kyle Sutfin of Portage; sister, Iline Budimlija of Mosinee, and brother, Marlin (Carol) Zuther of Seattle, Washington; a special nephew, Tom Dalton; many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother, Marvin, sister, Helen Zuther Dyrcz, brothers-in-law, Duscan Budimlija and Joseph Dyrcz, and a dear friend, Glenn Teskey.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 9, 2016, at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, with Deacon Dennis Sutter presiding. Inurnment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Portage.  Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.