Donald Black

Donald A. Black, 80, of Crystal Falls, went home to the Lord on Thursday, May 20, 2010. He was born Nov. 1, 1929, in Steubenville, Ohio, son of the late Florrid and Caroline (Noble) Black. In 1948, at the age of 19, Don enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he traveled the world aboard the USS Kittyhawk. In 1951, he was stationed on the USS Requin, a submarine, where he completed 2,154 dives, as well as serving as a diving instructor. During his career in the Navy, he met and married Beverly Koenen. They had four children, Randy, Brian, Donna and an infant son (Randy's twin), who went to be with the Lord at birth. After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1954, Don was employed by the U.S. Post Office for several years. He then went to work for Wisconsin Electric Power Co. as an auxiliaries operator and served as the union steward. On Dec. 29,1987, Don married Martha (Paulsen) Stacy-Black in Milwaukee, and upon his retirement in 1988, they moved to Crystal Falls. He was a member of Guardian Angels Catholic Church and the Kiwanis Club, where he served as lieutenant governor for the local district. Don loved baseball, and played softball for We Energies. He also enjoyed playing Scrabble, always letting his opponent win, gardening, birds, and attending Milwaukee Brewers games. Don was a good father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who loved spending time with family and friends. He always put others first, and made sure everyone around him was comfortable. He was a selfless man, who took in many people over the years, and shared with them his knowledge, experience and love. He is survived by three sons, Randy (Virginia) Black, Brian (Kathy) Black and Daniel Reed; three daughters, Donna (Chris) Page, Annette (Edward) Jardanowski and Monica Cain; 11 grandchildren, Ryan and Jason Page, Corby and Darrell Jardanowski, Giene and Christi Cain, Stephanie Lawnicki, Jamie Andersen, and Eric, Craig and Beverlee Messling; eight great-grandchildren, Elijah Jardanowski, Hailey Jardanowski and Dylan Maki-McCole, Kianna and Rimick Cain, Mariah Campbell, Denontae Cain and Olivia Hawkins; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Don was preceded in death by his loving "bride", Martha in October 2000; his grandparents; two brothers, Jack and Jim Black; and a grandson, Walter (P-Wee) Cain Jr. The Eastside Veterans Council will conduct a pass-in-review at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Crystal Falls. A rosary service will begin at 10:45 a.m. at the church, followed by the funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Fr. Jeffrey Kurtz will officiate. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Darrell, Stephanie and Elijah for the special love and care given to Don, which helped him remain at home. Also special thanks to Allen Goodman, R.N., Dr. Choragudi, Dr. Sand, Dr. Gendron, the entire staff at the V.A. Hospital, Cliff and Claire McLain and especially to Christi, for stopping by frequently, and bringing the newspaper to her "Gramps." Condolences may be expressed to the family of Donald A. Black online at www.nashfuneralhome.net. The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home of Crystal Falls with the arrangements.

Donald Black

May 20, 1930 - May 20, 2010