Donald “Grumpy” Prause, 79, passed away at home on May 10, 2026, surrounded by his family. True to form, he left this world the same way he lived in it — quietly and on his own terms.

Don was born August 9, 1946, in Eugene, Oregon, and grew up near Roberts, WI. He graduated from St. Croix Central High School in 1964 and earned associate degrees in diesel mechanics and agri‑business from Chippewa Valley Technical College. Drafted into the U.S. Army, he served in Vietnam from 1967-1969, carrying that experience with a quiet pride throughout his life.

On July 17, 1971, he married Christine DeWitz, and together they raised two daughters. His grandchildren affectionately called him “Grumpy,” a title he wore with a straight face and a secretly soft heart. If they asked how he was, they all knew the answer - "Mean, rotten, ugly." He was immensely proud of his kids and grandkids, even if he didn’t always say it out loud.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, John and Harriet (Brathall) Prause, and siblings: Eugene (Jack), Ron, Jerry, David, Joanne and Howard. He is survived by his wife, Christine; daughters, Jennifer (Mark) Matulenko and Jill (David) Gawrych; grandchildren; Abby, Chad, Nolan, Cole, Lou, Max, Ava, and Kate; brother, Bruce (Jeanette) Prause; sister, Linda Lomblo; and dog, Hank.

A private family gathering will be held to honor his life. Don will be cremated, and his remains will be interred with military honors at Union Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Stars and Stripes Honor Flight, an organization that came to mean a great deal to him after he took his own Honor Flight in 2024.

He will be remembered for his steady presence, his dry humor, and the way he could say everything he needed to with just a nod of his head.