David K. Donner

David K. Donner, age 96, of Merrill, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, surrounded by his loving family and under the care of Compassus Hospice. He was born on March 26, 1930, in Merrill, to the late Wesley Sr and Anna (Bacher) Donner.

David met the love of his life and soul mate, Carol Dupke, and they were united in marriage on June 7, 1952, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Gleason. Together they shared 68 wonderful years of marriage before Carol’s passing on July 22, 2020.

David attended Brickyard School as a young boy and graduated from Merrill High School with the Class of 1948. After high school, he helped on the family farm while attending Lincoln County Normal School. It was during this time that he discovered his passion for education.

Following graduation from Normal School, David taught seventh and eighth grades in Bruce, Wisconsin, and briefly worked for the Wisconsin Conservation Department while living in Spooner. In 1957, he accepted a teaching position at the Sunrise one room school in the Town of Schley, where he taught 34 students in grades one through eight — an experience he fondly described as “wonderful.”

His next position, and first principalship, was at the three-room Gleason State Graded School. As rural schools consolidated and Midway School in Gleason was completed in 1962, David’s responsibilities as principal continued to grow. Midway later became part of Merrill Area Public Schools, where David served as principal and sixth-grade teacher until 1985. In 1967, he earned his master’s degree in Elementary Administration from Wisconsin State University–Superior. He retired from education in 1989 after five years as principal of Franklin Elementary School in Merrill.

David was a man of deep faith and a lifelong Methodist. He was confirmed in 1944 at Grace Methodist Church, which was primarily a German-speaking congregation. Later, as a member of Christ United Methodist Church, he and Carol sang in the church choir for more than 50 years. He also served as superintendent of Sunday School, was a member of the Men’s Club, and played on the church league dartball team.

Faith and family were the foundation of David’s life. He loved family camping trips and cherished simple moments together. One favorite tradition was making big weekend breakfasts for his children while they watched Looney Tunes, his laughter filling the house. Even into his 90s, he continued preparing pancake breakfasts with homemade maple syrup for family gatherings. Popcorn and movie nights were also treasured traditions in the Donner home.

David was deeply attentive to those he loved and supportive of every activity involving his family. He possessed a quiet strength that earned the respect of everyone who knew him. Thoughtful, giving, and quick with a witty sense of humor, he made people feel cared for simply by being present.

An outdoorsman at heart, David found great joy in the woods — whether deer hunting or making maple syrup. He also loved watching birds and wildlife from the comfort of his picture window. During retirement, he spent many treasured hours at his retreat on Pike Lake, where countless family memories were made. In later years, he enjoyed the fellowship and friendship of gathering with his coffee group.

David also appreciated music and played tenor saxophone in the Merrill High School band as well as in a local polka band. He was a member of the Lincoln County Retired Educators Association (LCREA) and the Wisconsin Retired Educators Association (WREA).

David will be dearly missed, but the strength, love, faith, and laughter he shared will continue to live on through his family and friends.

He is survived by his children: Alan (Lisa) Donner of Portland, Oregon; Keith (Anne) Donner of Merrill; Mary (Alan) Waid of Merrill; Mark (Renee) Donner of Park Falls; and Ruth (Bob) Hujik of Eau Claire; 12 beloved grandchildren: Adam (Jaclyn), Ellen, Katie (Christopher), Melanie, Scott (Felicia), Nick (Lara), Katie (Scott), Matt (Kirsten), Lisa (Andrew), Heidi (Clayton), Bridget (Sam), and Leah (Tanner); 18 great-grandchildren; his sister, Donna Bower; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Carol; his brother, Wesley Jr.; sisters-in-law, LaRue Donner and Margaret Dupke; brothers-in-law, Jerry Bower and Norman Dupke; and Baby Waid.

A funeral service for David will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Christ United Methodist Church in Merrill, with Pastor Mike Zahn officiating.

Visitation will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral Home, 301 Eagle Drive, Merrill, and again from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the church. Burial at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery will immediately follow the service.

The service will be recorded and available for future viewing under David’s obituary on the funeral home website.

The family wishes to thank Meals on Wheels and its dedicated volunteers for faithfully serving those in need. They also extend heartfelt gratitude to Compassus Hospice for the care, compassion, and support shown to David and his family during his final days.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared on the funeral home website.