Donald "Don" J. Blarek

Donald “Don” James Blarek entered heaven on Thursday May 1st 2025. He passed peacefully with his family at his side. Don was born on September 24th 1938 to parents Stanley and Otilia (Check) Blarek.

Don graduated from Wausau high school in 1956, then joined the Army for 3yrs, spending part of it in Germany.

After returning from the army, he started work at Wausau papers and worked there as a machine tender until retirement. He also served as treasurer of local 1381 papermakers union. Don was a member of the American legion. Don was also a lifelong member of St Michaels parish.

Don married the love of his life, Faye Penn, in 1963. They enjoyed the blessing of a 62yr marriage. They had two children, Kurt (Stacy) Blarek, Wausau, Tami (David) Mader, Rothschild. He is survived by his wife and children along with five grandchildren; Dara Gryniewski, Appleton, Cody (Cohrtney) Blarek, Merrill, Tyler Blarek, Wausau, Sabrina (Jake) Wehner, Weston, and Alex Ermeling, Weston, and great granddaughter Sophia. Also survived by his two brothers Stanley Jr (Lois) Blarek, Minnesota, and Charles Blarek (Brokaw).

Don was a kind, loving, warm soul with a huge heart. Don truly loved life, people, and loved to tell stories. He had an easy-going nature and great sense of humor with a great laugh. Through all of his health struggles over the years, he maintained his joyful spirit, and sense of humor. Don always had a strong faith.

Don was a devoted husband and father who truly loved spending time with his family and friends. He and his wife did everything together, enjoying long weekends at different destinations, vacations at the family cabin, and travels out west to visit friends. You could always be sure to see Don and Faye in their convertible on a beautiful summer day.

Don was a great husband, father, grandfather. Our family was blessed to have him, he will be truly missed.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Stanley and Otilia Blarek, sister Rosalie (Jim) Parsons, and nephew Scott Parsons.

Heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Aspirus Hospice House, who’s love and compassion meant everything to Don’s family in their time of need.

Don will be deeply missed by his loved ones and all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held and Peterson Kraemer Funeral Home (6th St Wausau) on Saturday May 10th. Visitation 11am – 1pm with service at 1pm.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com