PEUSE, Donald F., age 60

Died: Saturday, June 25th, 2016

Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 30, 2016 at the funeral home with Reverend Christine Emerson officiating

Visitation: from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home

Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery, Town of Washington, Wisconsin

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred

Donald F. Peuse, age 60, of the Town of Washington, died on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at his home on the family farm.

Donald was born on May 1, 1956 to Franklin and Cleo Peuse and raised on the family farm on Peuse Road in the Town of Washington. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in Eau Claire. Don attended Eau Claire schools; graduating from Memorial High School in 1975. On November 30, 1979 he married Holly Knowlton; his wife of 36 ½ years. Together they made a home on the Peuse Family Farm and later took over the farm and "Frank's Garage" - the repair shop.

He and Holly had two sons, Dramus and Justin, to whom he passed on the love of working with his hands, along with many other young people through the years to whom he was an important mentor.

Don was proud of his three grandchildren and quick with a picture "or two" that he loved to show off at the shop. He was a good friend and neighbor to many who will miss his desire and ability to help out people in so many ways. He loved his family's farm and often said that he considered working the land in his beautifully restored tractors, a form of recreation. He was a talented mechanic, first working for his dad at Frank's Garage and eventually owning the business. Don took care of the needs of his customers for miles around and was always there to answer the phone and help.

For the last 25 years, he and Holly hosted an annual Customer Appreciation Christmas Party at Frank's Garage that regularly had a large attendance. Many in the neighborhood anticipated "Don's Party" each year. Don will be missed by all who knew him for his beautiful smile, caring nature, and quick wit.

He is survived by his wife of 36 ½ years Holly; mother, Cleo Peuse; mother-in-law, Jean Knowlton; sons, Dramus (Jessica) and Justin (Shannon) Peuse; grandchildren, Samuel and Ameila Peuse and Ryan Robertson; sisters, Jean (Carl) Knudtson, Jane (Norman) Anderson, Carol (Ken) Raether; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and loyal customers.

Don was preceded in death by his father, Franklin, and father-in-law, Hobie Knowlton.