Donald LeMense

Donald Joseph LeMense, passed away on August 16th at the age of 96. He is survived by his daughters, Diana, Teresa and Montserrat, their children ( Sylvia, Ariadna, Josephine and George), his devoted niece, Eileen Burnett (Gallagher), and many other nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews, who welcomed their eccentric “Uncle Don” into their lives and enriched his in immeasurable ways.   

The eldest son of Lillian Kox and Leo LeMense, Don grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, a block from the Cathedral Church. Years later, he and his wife bought a house on Jackson Street, one block away from his childhood home. Don attended Central Catholic High School and St. Norbert College. He lived the last decade of his life in the supportive community at the McCormick Home, in Green Bay, and his last weeks at St. Paul’s Elder Care in Kaukauna.

Don’s family is grateful to the compassionate caregivers at both residences who enriched his life with their friendship and selfless care.

Throughout his life, Don loved the outdoors. As a young man, he enjoyed hiking, ice skating and hunting with his best friend and eventual brother-in-law, Don Gallagher. In his later years, he enjoyed working in his big yard on Webster Avenue, composting leaves, growing tomatoes and the best raspberries in town. He loved sharing the bounty of his garden with friends and the children in the family. The staff at the McCormick Home will remember how through his late 80s, Don loved to weed the garden beds, take long neighborhood walks, and engage in (very) late night conversations with the staff.

Don graduated high school in 1945, and joined the Army just as WWII was coming to an end. His travels to Europe with the Army and through Europe after the war’s end ignited in him a lifelong interest in foreign culture and language. He taught English and Spanish in Oak Park, Ill. and at Preble High School, in Green Bay.  

In his later years, Don often spoke with anticipation of the time when he would be reunited with his parents, his siblings, and all the people he had loved during his lifetime, in Heaven.  While he will be missed by many, we take comfort in knowing he is free from suffering and immersed, as ever, in Divine love and mercy.

Friends and family may visit on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at St. Thomas the Apostle, 5930 Humboldt Road Luxemburg, from 9:30 am until 10:00 am with Mass of Christian Burial following at 10:00 am with Father Patrick Beno officiating. Private burial will take place at Allouez Catholic Cemetery.