Donald R. Nason, age 87, of Oshkosh, went to be with his Maker, Tuesday evening, August 14, 2018. He was born on October 18, 1930, at home in Grandville, Wisconsin, the son of the late Robert and Lillian Nason. Don attended Shorewood High School in Milwaukee and graduated from Ulysses S. Grant High School in Portland, Oregon. He then went to Military School at Camp Gordon, Georgia, where he took his basic training. Don served in the Korean War with Communications, D Battery 502, and finished his tour of duty out of Fairbanks, Alaska.
Coming a long way, Don married Carol D. Naffin on September 19, 1953, in Oshkosh, at First English Lutheran Church. He was a devoted, generous, and loving father and grandfather, along with being an unforgettable friend. He enjoyed building things for the grandchildren and was always there to help them when needed. Don had a quick wit and a great sense of humor which he never lost. He served the Lord wherever he went, as an usher and on church council boards. Don also served the public as a school board member for many years.
Employed at Mercury Marine for 40 years prior to his retirement, Don was a member of AFL/CIO Local 1947 and proud of it. He helped to coordinate many contracts for International Association of Machinists. He was known as the "Mayor" among his friends and helping people to help themselves was his motto!
Don built his own home on Decorah Avenue, which Carol's grandfather homesteaded, where he resided until his death. He enjoyed time spent fishing, boating, and gardening with his many Amanyllis flowers. An avid golfer and a good one, Don gave everyone a challenge, often winning trophies. Later in life, Don enjoyed traveling to see relatives throughout the US, including Hawaii and Alaska.
Survivors include his best friend and loving wife of 65 years, Carol Nason; two wonderful sons, Robin (Jill) Nason and Jeff Nason; seven grandchildren, Stacey (Ryan) Baumann, Eric (Jessie) Nason, Jeremy Nason, Jamie (Kevin) Nason, Andrew (Angie) Nason, Mackenzie (Jeremy) Nason, and Matthew Nason; nine great-grandchildren, Ericia, Alexandria, Issabella, Colin, Taylor, Autumn, Derrick, Charlotte, and River; two "almost children," Tom and Melessia Mignini, with their children, Amanda and Emily, of Sparks, Maryland; his sister, Lois (Jack) Getmen of Oregon; a sister-in-law, Mary Nason of Ohio; and nieces and nephews. Preceding Don in death are his parents and a brother, Denis Nason.
A visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 20, 2018 at Plymouth Congregational Church, 1325 Georgia St., Oshkosh, with Rev. Rick Hopkins officiating. Military Honors will follow the funeral. Burial will be in Lakeview Memorial Park at 3:00 p.m.
Memorials in Don's honor may be given to Plymouth Congregational Church.