Donald James Koeller

Donald “Don” J. Koeller, 91, Marathon, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 13, 2026, at Rennes Health and Rehab in Weston, under the care of Aspirus at Home Hospice.

He was born on December 23, 1934, in Wausau, son of the late Erwin and Lucinda (Harder) Koeller. On June 26, 1954 he married Lois H. Buttke at Trinity Lutheran Church, Stettin. The couple recently celebrated 72 years of marriage.

Don was a 1952 graduate of Wausau High School and played football under coach Win Brockmeyer. He started his career at Marathon Cheese working in the basement of Ray Goldbach’s family and eventually went on to become a supervisor at Pauly Cheese in Wausau. He continued working as a painter for Goetsch’s Welding and Machine into his 70’s. Don kept busy as the Treasurer for the Town of Rib Falls for 54 years in addition to serving in many positions at St. Matthew Lutheran Church.

He enjoyed listening to music, especially polkas, waltzes and German Brass bands. At age 16 he began drumming for his high school band which extended to a 42 year career with the Jerry Goetsch Orchestra. Through the orchestra the travelling group Polka Productions was formed which allowed him and his wife to travel world-wide enjoying the sights, music and making new friends. He had an opportunity to perform at numerous Octoberfest celebrations in Munich Germany.

Don was a man of deep faith and love for his family. Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed playing Sheepshead and Cribbage with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was an avid sports fan and loved to watch the Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers and was a Green Bay Packers season ticket holder for 63 years. He never missed an opportunity to watch his grandchildren’s sporting events all through their careers at Marathon High School.

Survivors include, his wife, Lois; four children, Gail (Brian) Gumtz, Karen Koeller, Bruce (Brenda) Koeller and Brian Koeller; six grandchildren, Nicholas (Christy) Gumtz, Michelle (John) Tatera, Brett (Lisa) Koeller, Caleb Koeller, Kolby Koeller and Jaden (Claire) Koeller; five great-grandchildren, Alexander and Dominic Gumtz, Jack Baumer, and Abigail and Benjamin Tatera; one brother, Robert Koeller; and many nieces, nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Kenneth (infant) and Gerald; and his infant grandson, Brandon Koeller.

Private services will be held at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Marathon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Matthew Lutheran Church Building Fund or the Little Lions Child Care in Marathon.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com