Don M. Doney

Don Doney, age 93, passed away peacefully on April 20th, 2026 surrounded by his family.  He was born on December 8, 1932, in Iron Mountain, MI, to Matthew and Josephine (Belobradich) Doney, and was the youngest of three siblings. During high school, he developed a passion for art and music, playing trombone in talent shows and performing with the local Lions Roar big band. After graduation, Don worked in the advertising department at the Iron Mountain Daily News for a year before joining the Navy. He served at the Commander in Chief Pacific Fleet headquarters in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, then transferred to the Chief of Air Advanced Training Command in Corpus Christi, Texas.  Don achieved the rank of Yeoman 2nd Class.

Don attended Northern Michigan University, majoring in Art Education. In 1958, he married the love of his life, Beverly Bartoletti. His first teaching position was as an art teacher in the Pulaski, Wisconsin school system. After a year, he became Art Director in the Clintonville, Wisconsin school system, where he taught both elementary and secondary art. He developed an outstanding art program, including a school-wide art show that continues to this day. Don later accepted an elementary art position in the Green Bay Public School system. In August 1968, he and Beverly moved to Ashwaubenon, purchasing the home where they lived for 57 years. Don also taught at Franklin Jr. High, Lombardi Junior High, and Washington Junior High before retiring in 1988. One of his great interests was sign painting, and during summer vacations, he worked in sign shops in Marquette, Iron Mountain, and Green Bay, learning the trade. After retiring from teaching, he opened his own commercial sign company which operated until 2002. His love of art continued throughout his life. In his basement art studio, he produced dozens of paintings featuring beautiful landscapes, cottages and water scenes which he generously shared with family and friends. One of his great joys was painting winter scenes on the wall mirrors in the Krolls restaurant for the holiday season.

Don and Beverly loved to travel, enjoying camping trips with their children, and tours of New England, San Francisco, Branson, Germany, and their favorite destination, Hawaii. Winters were spent in the warm weather of Destin, Florida, and Scottsdale, Arizona. Don was an avid golfer, playing local courses and arranging outings throughout the state and country. He valued friendships deeply and, in his later years, organized weekly lunches with friend groups. Don was a devoted Green Bay Packers fan and always looked forward to parking cars on his lawn on game day, welcoming both Packer and opposing-team fans to Green Bay and sharing their passion for the game of football.

Above all, Don Doney was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His warmth, creativity, and kindness touched the lives of everyone he met. Don’s legacy lives on in the art he produced, the friendships he nurtured, and the family he cherished. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will remain with all who knew him through every shared story, every piece of art, and every moment of laughter.

Don was preceded in death by his brothers, Tom and Bob. He is survived by his beloved wife, Beverly (Pat); his four children, Don Doney Jr., Dale Doney (Dawn), Diane Welhouse (Brad), and Denise VanLaanen (Paul); six grandchildren, Blair Allen (Cale), Carson Doney (Talia), Beau VanLannen, Bryce VanLaanen (Anna), Austin Welhouse (Cate), Alec Welhouse; and four great-grandchildren, Cameron Allen, Grant Allen, Henry VanLaanen, and Franklin Doney.

Services will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026 at 12 noon at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.  Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Don Everts.  Inurnment will take place at Allouez Catholic Mausoleum at a later date.

The family will greet relatives and friends at the church from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 12 noon.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.lyndahl.com

The Lyndahl Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the Doney family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that a donation be made on Don’s behalf to the American Diabetes Association.

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