Don unexpectedly and tragically passed away while doing something he loved on June 5, 2022 at the age of 62 years old. Beloved husband to Paula (born Rifleman) for 33 + years. Loving and devoted father of Weston (Shannon), Mitchell (Brooke) and Madeline (Brad). Dear brother of Cheryl (Scott) Simpson, Mark (Linda) Heupel, Chris Heupel and Lynn (Jeff) Heupel. Don will be dearly missed by his mother-in-law, Margaret Blozinski, brothers-in-law Mark (Kathy) Blozinski, Charles (Destiny) Blozinski, and Mike (Rachel) Rifleman, Pete Wilson, sisters-in-law Judy (Tom) Brosig, Patricia (Scott) Wilson, Susan (Chuck) Guta, many nieces and nephews, relatives and the vast amount of people that he happily called a friend.
Don was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Ione Heupel, father-in-law Richard Blozinski, and his dearly loved niece Caryn Simpson.
Don was born in Green Bay, WI where he resided with many friends and family until he graduated from Green Bay Southwest H.S. It was also where he met his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Paula. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology from the University of Wisconsin Stout.
After graduation Don was hired on at Beckman Coulter – a biomedical testing company. Don dedicated his entire career, offering 39 years of service at Beckman Coulter. He was their “go-to man” as a Field Service Engineer with deep technical expertise needed to quickly resolve the most challenging issues and achieved a great many accolades, including the National Circle of Excellence Award.
34 years ago, Don moved to Germantown, WI where he purchased his first home, an old farmstead, which he preserved, rebuilt and remodeled with his own hands. It became his lifelong home where he raised his most cherished prize in life, his family.
Don was truly one of a kind. He was the epitome of “talk softly and carry a big stick.” He had a deep love for his family, the outdoors, uncountable hobbies, and a passion for learning. His kindness and thoughtfulness towards every human being was larger than life. He had a great passion for helping others. Whether it was offering an open ear to someone in need or a helping hand in fixing anything broken, he always put others before himself! He was a mentor and a rock for so many people across ALL generations. He believed that true joy comes from helping others and he tried to share that philosophy with everyone.
Don also had an insatiable passion for hobbies! Ones that were larger than life and only imaginable in most people’s minds. Don would turn dreams into reality. The skills he acquired were more than most achieve in a lifetime and he became the Master of Everything. He hand-crafted kayaks, canoes, skateboards, surfboards, campers, snowshoes, apple cider presses, blacksmithing, and much more. Most of his projects were built from wood - wood that he cutdown and milled from trees handpicked from the woods. He used his Woodmizer mill to cut timbers with family, friends, and strangers. He was proud of the fact that he could help provide a product that would build projects for generations to come (as mentioned earlier, always helping others!). He was a true artist and loved the smell of fresh cut sawdust which he called “man-glitter.” Through Don’s hobbies he shared his knowledge and truly enjoyed teaching others. His patience and willingness to explain made learning from him extremely easy and enjoyable.
He also loved to contribute his time and talents through volunteering with Christian Youth Work Camps and Habitat for Humanity, such as traveling across America helping build houses for folks in need.
His time here on Earth ended too soon, he will be dearly missed. His free spirit will continue to live on through so many and it is safe to say his legacy will live on forever.
Visitation Saturday, June 11, 2022 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, N88 W17658 Christman Rd, Menomonee Falls, from 9:00AM until the eulogy at 11:45AM followed by Funeral Mass at 12:00PM (Noon). In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.
A Luncheon will follow mass at the Village Bowl, N86W18330 Main St. in Menomonee Falls from 1:00PM -6:00PM. It will be in the Heritage Hall. Food, drinks, desert, laughs, and stories will be shared. Anyone and Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to come. Please join the family to celebrate the wonderful life of Don.
