Donald Lee Knedlhans, 75, Green Bay, passed away Thursday, March 4, 2010 in Arizona after a courageous battle with C. O. P. D. He was born January 29, 1935 in Spruce, Wisconsin. On June 4, 1955, Don married Sharon Hansen.

He was employed for many years by Badger Sheet Metal, retiring in 1997. Following his retirement, he routinely returned to the shop to visit Greg DeCaster and his former co-workers. True snowbirds, Don and Sharon, spent winters in Apache Junction, Arizona in the company of many friends. He was always the outdoorsman, spending time at his trailer “up north” hunting, fishing and riding his tractor. He also loved spending time with family (children and grandchildren).

Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Sharon; his children, Jeff (Karen) Knedlhans, Mesa, AZ; Kathryn Knedlhans, Green Bay; Beth (Will) Dorsey, Green Bay; and Barbara (Randy) Yoap, Green Bay; his grandchildren, Jason (Fran) Knedlhans, Trevor Miller, Ashley Eliason, Amber Eliason, Amanda Zimmerman and Michael Knedlhans; step-grandchildren, Curtis Reams and Terra Reese; and his sisters, Juriene (Jack) Brazeau and Shirley (Don) Washabek.

Don was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Margaret and Albert Durocher; his grandparents, Russell and Myrtle Brazeau; and his in-laws, Fernand and Laura Hansen.

Friends may call after 10 am Thursday, March 11, at Calvary Lutheran Church, 1301 South Ridge Road, where funeral services will take place at 11 am with the Rev. Earl Vorpagel III officiating. Entombment will be at the Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a memorial fund has been established in Don’s name.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I’d climb right up to heaven and bring you home again.