Donald Latus

February 24, 1933 — November 4, 2023

Donald Leon Latus, 90, passed away on Saturday, November 4 in Hartland, Wisconsin, as a resident in assisted living at Heritage Lake Country. He is preceded in death by his parents Sylvester and Irene (nee Thomas), and two of his eight children, Thomas and David. Donald succumbed to sepsis due to a final infection he was not able to overcome. He died peacefully with Brighton Hospice and Heritage Lake Country staff providing the best possible physical, emotional, and spiritual care that any family could ask for. His strong Catholic faith was a comfort to him as he "came home" to God. Surviving Donald are his sons Brian, Scott, John, Joe, and daughters Cathy and Donna and their respective families from his first marriage to Catherine. Surviving Donald from his second marriage to Janice are Penny and her daughter Cassidy. Donald was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He attended Grant, Elementary School, Walker Junior High, and Casimir Pulaski High School in the Milwaukee Public School System. He was drafted in the US Army and had the good fortune to serve his country in France. He formed a bond of friendship with Earl Legler, while serving together overseas. His dear friend Earl recently passed away. Upon returning from his stint in the army, Donald attended Marquette University and graduated with a B.A. in Business Administration. Donald parlayed his business acumen into a long career as a Systems Analyst, working for companies like Ladish, Froedtert Malt, Joseph Schlitz Brewing, Blue Cross/ Blue Shield, S. K. Williams, and the Eaton Corporation. Hands down his favorite company to work for was Joseph Schlitz. Donald was an avid biker, walker, and committed to his daily morning physical fitness routines. In many of the companies he worked for, Don competed successfully in all of their wellness programs and was recognized for his physical prowess and dedication to a health and wellness lifestyle. He was passionate about gardening and loved growing all kinds of vegetables. He also enjoyed cooking and eating and looked forward to his daily cocktail hour. Don was active for years with his second wife Jan in the Vagabond Ski & Social Club. They were known for planning and leading all kinds of local bike trips in Wisconsin for interested members. He also learned how to downhill ski there and enjoyed many of the other social opportunities that this fun-loving group offered. Don and Jan served a stint as board members for this social club as well. In both Wisconsin and the years Donald lived in Knoxville Tennessee with Janice, they volunteered their time and talents in great causes like Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, recording books for the Blind and Dyslexic, and working for years as docents for the Knoxville Museum of Art's Friday night program Alive After Five. Finally, Donald loved and appreciated his friends Dan, Frank, and Jerry and their respective families. He had always looked forward to any time he could spend with these dear friends from his youth. A Celebration of Donald's life will take place on Thursday, November 16, with a visitation from 10:00AM – 11:30AM followed by a brief Memorial Service at 11:30AM at the Schramka Funeral Home, 13220 W. Capitol Drive Brookfield, WI.

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Thursday, November 16, 2023

10:00 - 11:30 am

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Schramka Funeral Home

13220 W Capitol Dr, Brookfield, WI 53005

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