Donald G Wachholz

Donald George Wachholz, 82, of Minocqua, Wisconsin passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2014. He was preceded in death by his parents Helen and George Wachholz of St. Paul, Minnesota. Don graduated from Wilson High School, Macalester College, and the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin. He was married to his wife Nadine for over 60 years. Don served in the United States Army with the Second Armored Division in Bad Kreuznach, Germany. Following his time in the service and graduation from college, Don worked for First National Bank of Minneapolis. He moved with his family to Minocqua, Wisconsin in 1973 when he joined Lakeland State Bank which later became F&M Bank-Lakeland. He retired from the bank as its President after 22 years of service. For over 40 years Don was an active member of the Lakeland community. He served in leadership capacities on community boards and committees including; Howard Young Health Care Foundation, Howard Young Medical Center, Ascension Lutheran Church, Board of Education of Lakeland Union High School, Minocqua/Woodruff Chamber of Commerce, and Lakeland Development Committee. As a founding member of the Lakeland Rotary Club, he helped start the club and develop its robust participation in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. As a member of Rotary, he was a past European Correspondent of Central States Rotary Youth Exchange, Regional Coordinator for District PolioPlus Campaign, Member of the District Executive Committee and Governor’s Advisory Council, a District Governor, District Rotary Foundation Chairman, Vice Chairman of the Rotary Foundation Permanent Fund Committee, and Chairman of the District Project Fund Committee. He was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow, Benefactor and Contributor to the Rotary Foundation. He was a Recipient of the Citation for meritorious service from the Rotary Foundation. He enjoyed various hobbies including woodworking, photography, reading, television and golf. He was a coach for the Lakeland Youth Hockey Program and a long standing member of The Alligators coffee group. He along with his wife were able to travel throughout the world in support of their exchange students and charitable activities including, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Russia, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Italy, Croatia, Turkey, Greece, Israel, Zimbabwe, South Africa, India, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, Hong Kong, and Japan. Don was a beloved banker and member of the community and devoted Minnesota Vikings fan. Don is survived by his wife, Nadine, and his sons; Rob (Laurie), Karl, and Kurt (Tracy). He is survived by four grandchildren, Benjamin, Jacob, Jordan, and Luke. He is also survived by his Sisters Gretchen (Tom) Berger and Karen (Tom) Sullivan and Brother-in-Law Harold (Greta) Anderson and many nieces and nephews and many hosted exchange students. Don’s life will be honored on Saturday May 10th at Ascension Lutheran Church in Minocqua with a visitation beginning at 11:00 am followed by memorial service at noon with a celebration of life to follow. The burial service will take place at Elmhurst cemetery in St. Paul at 2:00 on Monday. Memorials in lieu of flowers appreciated for Howard Young Health Care Foundation, Lakeland Noon Rotary Club Foundation, Seasons of Life Hospice House, Ascension Lutheran Building Fund or a charity of your choice..