Donald R. Althoff

Donald R. Althoff, age 88, of  Clear Lake, WI, passed away early morning of February 26th, 2024.

Donald Richard Althoff was born in Newport, MN on September 15, 1935 to Harold and Enid (Atherton) Althoff. As a teenager, Don worked at Bailey’s Nursery in Woodbury. In 1953 he graduated from St. Paul Park High School and continued on to the college of agriculture at the U of M, where he played cornet for the concert band. One day during high school senior year, Don was driving down a snowy road where he saw a lovely lady cross country skiing and had to stop. And so began a 69 year love story, which blessed Don and   Arlene with a beautiful family. Don’s career took them from St. Paul (PPG) to Ohio (Architectural Engineers) to Michigan (Brasco), and finally to Clear Lake, WI where Don and Arlene purchased a dairy farm. After dairy farming, Don worked construction with his brother-in-law Roger, was Parts Manager at Tri-County Implement in Turtle Lake, and served as Clear Lake Town Clerk before retiring in 2001. 

Don loved dancing which was a beautiful part of his courtship with Arlene. Don had many hobbies including bowling, playing cards with friends and family, acting in many local community plays, driving the countryside appreciating nature’s beauty, mowing lawn, and creating elaborate trails in the woods behind their Clear Lake home for everyone to enjoy. Don was warm and welcoming with a twinkle in his eye and a wink for everyone he met. 

Don and Arlene lost an infant son and weathered many life storms with their strong faith. This faith led them to being very active in the Clear Lake United Methodist Church, serving for many years. Don was parish treasurer, chairman of the church board, helped maintain the church grounds, put up the Christmas tree every year, and unselfishly performed many other tasks to support the church community.

Don will long be remembered for his value of hard work, positive attitude, and his dedication to family, friends, community, and his devotion to God.

He is preceded in death his parents, Harold & Enid Althoff; infant son; and sister, Lorraine Rhinehart.

Don is survived by his loving wife Arlene; his children Kristi (George), Kent (Julie), Kalan (Holly), Kim (Greg),  Kevin (Maria); and his grandchildren Rachel, Leah, Chase, and Emilee.

He is also survived by his siblings Charlie (Suzi), Judy, Valerie, and Patricia (Dave), sister-in-law Maryllis,  along with many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff of Red Cedar Canyon and Moments Hospice for the comfort and loving care they provided Don.

In lieu of flowers the family would  prefer memorials to be made to the Clear Lake United Methodist Church.

There will be a  Memorial Service  at 12 Noon  on Friday, March 1,  2024 at the Clear Lake United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be from 10:30am - 12pm  at the church on Friday.

Clergy  -  Pastor Hakki Min    Music  -  Brian Wick

There will be a private family Interment at a later date.

Scheuermann Funeral Home and Cremation Services are handling the arrangements.

www.clearlakefuneralhome.com

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