Donald M. Dutcher
Donald Marvin Dutcher, age 72, of Redgranite, passed away on March 9, 2020, at Wisconsin Veterans Home at King.
Don (or “Duck” as many knew him) was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving as a Sergeant in the United States Air Force 4th Air Commando Squadron. During his time overseas he earned several medals including the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, an Air Force Commendation Medal and a Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.
A life-long resident of Redgranite, Don returned from the Air Force to own and operate an auto body shop on the corner of town, West Side Auto Body. It’s not uncommon still today to see a number of classic cars in the area or at Wisconsin car shows that have been painted by Don. In later years, he put aside the physical labor of the shop to extend his services into a closely related field — automobile, boat, and recreational vehicle appraising.
Anyone who knew Don understood what a character he was, and always shared a great laugh or two with him in the shop. He loved all things fast and didn’t discriminate to any one means of transportation. In the 1970s he was a known Skidoo and Polaris snowmobile racer, qualifying for the 1972 World Series where his engine died out in the semi-finals. In the early 1980s he ventured into the air, being one of the first in the area to own an ultralight aircraft. His passion for flight led him to also serve as the vice president of the Oshkosh Ultralight Chapter of the EAA.
Don is survived by three children, Michele (Jeff) Briskie of Omro, Melinda (Bob) Kinser of Mooresville, NC, and Donnie (Danielle) Dutcher of Green Bay. He also is remembered by his grandchildren, Eric Briskie, Brooks Kinser, Beckett Kinser and Evelyn Dutcher; his mother, Marian Dutcher Krueger; two brothers, Lawrence Dutcher and Mike (Kathy) Dutcher; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Don was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Dutcher, and granddaughter, Lexi Jane Briskie.
A graveside service and celebration of life will be held in late April, pending current state sanctions on group gatherings. Arrangements have been entrusted to Barbola Funeral Chapel of Berlin.
Online condolences may be submitted and sent using the form below. You may also email condolences to the family through "barbolafc@yahoo.com". All condolences are private and sent only to the family.