Donald I. Moore
Donald I. Moore, (Mike as his
friends and family referred to him), 88 of Fond du Lac, went to his heavenly
home on Monday, December 17, 2018 at Hospice Home of Hope in Fond du Lac. As he had wished, both his daughters were
with him as he reached for the hands of the Lord and his beloved wife. Don was born April 11, 1930 in Fond du Lac,
the son of James W. and Mary Ethel Garvey Moore. He graduated from Goodrich High School in
1948. Donald followed in his brother’s
footsteps and enlisted in the U.S. Navy.
He proudly served four years on the USS Amphion during the Korean
War. Donald achieved the rank of 2nd
Class Petty Officer. As a young man,
Donald was active in the Golden Gloves and competed throughout the state. Don met his future wife while working at
Newberry’s Dime Store. He was the box
boy and she was the candy counter girl.
The two later reconnected following Don’s return from the war. On June 22, 1957 Don married Dorothy
Bickelhaupt at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fond du Lac.
Though he learned the plumbing
and heating trade at an early age from his father, Don’s official initiation
date was September 12, 1955. As his
skills increased he received more offers from companies to do the plumbing
contracts at large projects. Through his
career Don worked with the following companies: Ahern, Bozick, Sedlet, W &
H, and Hietpas & Rhode Brothers. Don
then became the City of Fond du Lac Plumbing Inspector. He took much pride in showing and discussing
his many plumbing projects in Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, and throughout
Wisconsin. Don shared with his family
that his greatest success was not in completing a project but in developing a
relationship. He picked an apprentice
that he thought showed much potential and he felt a special connection to the
young man. Don’s and his apprentice, Ed
Flynn’s (Mary Ann) of Las Vegas, NV, relationship grew close. Don was very proud of the man Ed became and
the two kept in touch.
Don served as Building Inspector
for the Town of Empire, Plumbing Inspector for Towns of Empire and Taycheedah,
and Sanitary District 1 and 2 Inspector.
He retired from his last inspection role November of 2017. He was involved with the Blueline Hockey Club
and spent many hours at the rink when the club was beginning “making ice”. He received the 1976 – 1977 Annual Merit
Award in recognition of his volunteer contributions to the club.
Those who knew Don “Mike” well
knew that what he loved best was to keep busy.
He loved building, remodeling, working outdoors, planting and trimming
trees, and doing what ever needed to be done.
Don was often seen walking one of the dogs. He loved times spent with family and friends
as he felt this was the most important aspect of life.
He is survived by his four
children, Mike (Teresa) Moore of Renton, WA, Kelly (John) Anheuser of Fond du
Lac, John (Linda) Moore of Loveland, CO, and Kathi Moore of Fond du Lac; three
grandchildren, Stephanie Anheuser, John Moore, and Kyle Moore; two sisters,
Elizabeth and Delores; two sisters-in-law, Gloria Ramalia and Gerry Moore; his
beloved dog, Muffy; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and his Godchildren that
are close in heart. He was preceded in
death by his parents; his beloved wife of 50 years, Dorothy; two brothers,
David and Wilfred; and one sister, Peggy Moore.
The visitation will be held
Thursday, December 27, 2018 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home and
again on Friday from 9:30 – 11:00 AM at the church. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at
11:00 AM on Friday, December 28, 2018 at Holy Family Church, 271 Fourth Street
Way in Fond du Lac. Entombment will
follow in Chapel of the Risen Christ Mausoleum, Calvary Cemetery where military
honors will be conducted.
A special thank you to all those
who helped with caring for our dad at home: Gerry Moore, Linda and John
Neville, Ellen Everix, Betty and Jr. Flesch, Dave Brunet, and Jordan
Burns. We would also like to give our
heartfelt appreciation and extend a big thank you to Dr. Sergi and his nurses,
Amy and Traci, Agnesian Home Hospice staff, especially Denise, Blanca, and
Kristy, and the entire staff at Hospice Home of Hope.
Guestbook and tribute wall may
be found by visiting ueckerwitt.com.