Donald Praeger Jr.

Donald Fredrick Praeger Jr. passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 7, 2024. Donald was born on October 24, 1958 in Milwaukee, WI. He graduated from Milwaukee Lutheran High School in 1976.  He began working in the excavating business with his father and brother until he retired in 2017 and moved to Lafayette, Indiana.  He loved meeting and working with many people all those years.  His 12 hour days are what kept him moving.  He loved Clint Eastwood movies and his new favorite actor, Gerard Butler.  Every year Don and his wife, Mary, would travel, mostly to Florida because of the weather.  He did make it to Maine where he couldn't wait for that fresh lobster. Oh, how he loved seafood!  Don's ever-lasting spirit will live on through the kindness he showed the world and the laughter he shared! He is survived by his Loving wife Mary Praeger (Walker). Proud and loving father of Tiffany Praeger, Zachary Praeger and Trista Densborn.  Proud and loving grandfather of Reid, Finn, Beckett, Jake and Wyatt.  Loving nephew of Ellen (Mike) Vernon.  Further survived by other relatives and friends.  Preceded in death by his parents, Nancy Praeger (Seifert) and Don Praeger Sr, and his brother Paul Praeger.  Don was the owner/operator of Don Praeger & Sons Excavating for over 40 years.  He enjoyed time with family, traveling, time at Shawano Lake, gardening, and always a good joke!  Celebration of Life will be at Schramka Funeral Home, Sat. Dec. 28th, 1-4pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to NAMI. nami.org