Donald V. Hallmann

Donald “Don” Vernard Hallmann, 93, of Thiensville, WI died peacefully at his home on the morning of Saturday, March 15, 2025.

Born June 1, 1931 on the family farm in Markesan, WI, Don grew up in Marquette and Green Lake counties, graduating from Green Lake High School in 1949, followed by one year in the US Navy. He married his high school sweetheart, Fern Cain, on November 16, 1952 in Green Lake, WI. They moved to Milwaukee shortly after, where they worked and raised their four children - Michael, Bruce, Barbara, and Lisa.

Don began his career in 1951 as a tool and die maker, first at Rowley Tool and Die in Green Lake and ultimately retiring from AC Spark Plug/General Motors in Oak Creek, WI in 1992. He and Fern shared a love for travel, exploring the United States together as well as Australia, New Zealand and Mexico. They escaped Wisconsin winters in Las Vegas and Deltona, FL. Don had a lifelong love of sports and fitness, playing and watching golf most of his adult life and faithfully following his favorite sports teams - the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Bucks. He often walked or biked to work and lifted weights. The grandkids will always remember their grandpa, especially riding around with him on the golf cart. Don loved golfing with his children, grandchildren, and friends. Don and Fern created lasting memories for themselves and others through many family and friend gatherings at their home…or simply enjoying a cocktail on the deck.

Don and Fern were members of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Montello WI for over 40 years and more recently members of Christ Alone Evangelical Lutheran Church in Thiensville, WI.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Fern (Cain) Hallmann; sons, Michael (Sherri) Hallmann and Bruce (Robin) Hallmann; daughters, Barbara (Paul) Johnson and Lisa (Dale) Borowiak; grandchildren, Katherine (Roger) Paulin, Jennifer Johnson, Andrew (Kelly Block) Johnson, Tyler (Tayla) Hallmann, Erica (Cal) Giese, Madeline Borowiak, Emma (Jake) Anderson, and Grace Borowiak; and great-grandchildren, Maia Paulin and Iain Paulin. He is further survived by his brother, Dale Hallmann; sisters-in-law, Dary Cain, Sharon Hallmann, Renee Silloway; many beloved nieces and nephews; and lifelong friend, Lewis “Butch” Keipe and neighbor, Dave Scharf.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Ida (Taschner) Hallmann; and two brothers, Gerald Hallmann and Harlan Hallmann.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 3, 2025, beginning with visitation at 9:30 am followed by the service at 10:00 am at Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, 515 Mayparty Dr., Ripon WI 54971, with Michael Hallmann officiating. A private family graveside committal service will take place at Dartford Cemetery in Green Lake.

The family would like to thank the staff at Willowbrook Place, Thiensville, WI for their warm and wonderful care, generous spirit, and loving support. Every encounter and interaction brought with it good humor, grace, and dignity.

Brighton Hospice Care brought an extra layer of comfort and support in Don’s final days, for which the family is humbly grateful.

As Don would often say, “Keep up the good work!”