1930
Donald
2019
Donald Armstrong
January 25, 1930 — May 19, 2019
Donald Lennox Armstrong passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 19, 2019 at St. John’s on the Lake in Milwaukee. He was 89 years old.
Donald, or Pops, as he was affectionately known to his children, grandkids and many others, will be remembered by all who knew him for his kindness, warmth and generous spirit. He had a terrific sense of humor and enjoyed nothing more than a good laugh, especially when shared with family and friends. He loved classic movies, sailing and sailboats, Beethoven symphonies, and reading his daily newspaper. A skilled and meticulous craftsman, he built beautiful furniture pieces and at least four wooden boats over the years. He was crazy about dogs.
Donald grew up in Elmhurst, Illinois, and spent many summers on Geneva Lake in Wisconsin, where he developed his attachment to boating. It was in Elmhurst where he met the true love of his life, Betty Wuerfel. The two began dating in high school, got married after college, and were inseparable until her death in the fall of 2017. Too young to enlist during World War II, Donald joined the Navy after the war, serving as an officer. After his stint in the Navy, he went to work for Armstrong-Blum Mfg. Co. in Chicago, eventually rising to the level of company president.
Donald and Betty settled in Wheaton, Illinois, and later bought a summer place on Green Lake in Wisconsin. Together they raised seven children in a home filled with love and laughter, where all were welcome. His legacy is one of steadfast devotion to his family, friends, faith and ideals. He was our lighthouse, always there to guide us through the storms of life to a safe harbor.
Preceded in death by beloved spouse, Betty Wuerfel Armstrong, Donald is survived by children, Ann (Kim) Pahlas, Donald L. Jr. (Cheri) Armstrong, Douglas (Maureen FitzPatrick) Armstrong, Meg (Jon) McKinney, Andrew (Heather) Armstrong, William (Mary Rose) Armstrong, and Michael (Leigh) Armstrong. Dear brother-in-law of Joan Armstrong, Barbara Armstrong and Peggy Wuerfel. Donald is further survived by 14 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.
Services have been held with interment at Woodlawn Cemetery in Ripon.
Special thanks to the Staff at St. John’s on the Lake - Milwaukee, especially the Stratford Court Staff, for their exceptional and compassionate care. If desired memorials to Alzheimer’s Association of Southeastern Wisconsin, 620 S. 76th St. #160 Milwaukee, WI 53214 or Green Lake Area Animal Shelter, N6217 Busse Rd.
Please visit www.butzinmarchant.com to send online condolences.
Donald, or Pops, as he was affectionately known to his children, grandkids and many others, will be remembered by all who knew him for his kindness, warmth and generous spirit. He had a terrific sense of humor and enjoyed nothing more than a good laugh, especially when shared with family and friends. He loved classic movies, sailing and sailboats, Beethoven symphonies, and reading his daily newspaper. A skilled and meticulous craftsman, he built beautiful furniture pieces and at least four wooden boats over the years. He was crazy about dogs.
Donald grew up in Elmhurst, Illinois, and spent many summers on Geneva Lake in Wisconsin, where he developed his attachment to boating. It was in Elmhurst where he met the true love of his life, Betty Wuerfel. The two began dating in high school, got married after college, and were inseparable until her death in the fall of 2017. Too young to enlist during World War II, Donald joined the Navy after the war, serving as an officer. After his stint in the Navy, he went to work for Armstrong-Blum Mfg. Co. in Chicago, eventually rising to the level of company president.
Donald and Betty settled in Wheaton, Illinois, and later bought a summer place on Green Lake in Wisconsin. Together they raised seven children in a home filled with love and laughter, where all were welcome. His legacy is one of steadfast devotion to his family, friends, faith and ideals. He was our lighthouse, always there to guide us through the storms of life to a safe harbor.
Preceded in death by beloved spouse, Betty Wuerfel Armstrong, Donald is survived by children, Ann (Kim) Pahlas, Donald L. Jr. (Cheri) Armstrong, Douglas (Maureen FitzPatrick) Armstrong, Meg (Jon) McKinney, Andrew (Heather) Armstrong, William (Mary Rose) Armstrong, and Michael (Leigh) Armstrong. Dear brother-in-law of Joan Armstrong, Barbara Armstrong and Peggy Wuerfel. Donald is further survived by 14 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.
Services have been held with interment at Woodlawn Cemetery in Ripon.
Special thanks to the Staff at St. John’s on the Lake - Milwaukee, especially the Stratford Court Staff, for their exceptional and compassionate care. If desired memorials to Alzheimer’s Association of Southeastern Wisconsin, 620 S. 76th St. #160 Milwaukee, WI 53214 or Green Lake Area Animal Shelter, N6217 Busse Rd.
Please visit www.butzinmarchant.com to send online condolences.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donald Armstrong, please visit our flower store.
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