Obituary of Daniel E. Donkle

Daniel Eugene Donkle, 72, of Cambridge, passed away, Monday September 4, 2023, with his loving wife and family by his side.

Born on August 17, 1951, in Fort Atkinson, he was the son of the late Richard and Sheila (O’Neil) Donkle. Daniel attended Fort Atkinson High School where he was a decorated cross-country athlete nicknamed “The Legend”. He was a member of the cross-country team that went to state two years in a row. He was also a member of the Fort Atkinson High School Band. Following high school, he attended the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater, earning a degree in Business. During college, Daniel worked for Lormans in Fort Atkinson. He went on to work for Crepaco in Lake Mills and then worked for Trachte Building Systems for 15 years until his retirement.

Daniel married the love of his life, Patricia Hickey, on August 20, 1995, in Lake Tahoe.

Daniel was an avid golfer and first learned how from his father at the age of 8. He was a member of Lake Ripley Country Club and enjoyed golfing at the Lake Forest Golf Club in Eagle River.  Some of his most cherished time was spent playing and being with his dogs, Bonnie, Bella, Prince and Rosie. He also loved being at their time shares in Eagle River where he enjoyed hiking, boating, grilling out, watching the wildlife, and enjoying many of the restaurants in the Eagle River Area. Above all else, the time in Eagle River was precious because of the memories made with Patricia, Brian, Eli, Ewan, and friends. He also enjoyed attending his MENSA monthly meetings where he shared many memories with friends from grade school and high school.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Donkle; stepson, Brian Johnson; grandsons, Eli Johnson, and Ewan Johnson and two sisters, Mary K (Patrick) Henze and Ann Dillett. He is further survived by other loving family and friends.

Daniel is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Sheila Donkle and his brother in-law Fred Dillett.

A memorial Mass will take place at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 701 W. Water Street Cambridge, on Saturday September 30, at 11:00 A.M. Visitation will take place from 9:30 A.M until 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Lung Association, American Cancer Society or Rainbow Hospice.  

The family would like to thank Rainbow Hospice for the loving care they provided as well as Nitardy Funeral Home.

Visit www.nitardyfuneralhome.com to leave your condolences for the family.