Donald Lee Wilhelms
Donald Lee Wilhelms, 95, of Fond du Lac, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
Don was born on August 14, 1930, in Fond du Lac to Clarence and Eunice (Skinner) Wilhelms. On October 15, 1955, he married the love of his life, Myra Keuler of Mount Calvary. Together they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in 2025.
Through hard work, determination, and a deep love for family, Don built a life defined by honesty, kindness, and service to others. For more than 50 years, he worked as an automobile mechanic at Holiday Automotive. A Master Mechanic, he was proud to be the first employee hired by Bill Gores when Holiday Oldsmobile opened in 1958. He remained with the dealership throughout his entire career and became affectionately known as “Mr. Goodwrench.”
A faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Don was active in the church choir, the Holy Name Society, and served as a Boy Scout leader. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Elks Club, and Eagles Club.
Music was one of Don’s greatest joys. He sang bass and baritone with St. Mary’s Choir, the Elks Male Chorus, the Fond du Lac Oratorio Chorus (now South Shore Chorale), and his barbershop quartet, “The Four Dons.” Later in life, he shared his love of music with individuals with special needs through the United Singers of Fond du Lac.
Don was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Family camping trips created treasured memories, and he and Myra maintained a seasonal residence at Green Lake Campground for 38 years. After their children were grown, they traveled extensively throughout the United States and around the world.
As a young stable boy at the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds, Don dreamed of becoming a cowboy. At age 70, he fulfilled that dream by participating in a cattle drive in Wyoming.
Don is survived by his wife, Myra; his children, Mark (Janet) Wilhelms, Michael Wilhelms, and LynnAnn (Patrick) Ziegler; four grandchildren, Tim Ziegler, Andrew (Betsy) Ziegler, and Maria (Walter) Sularski, Katie (Austin) Frey; great-granddaughter Charlotte Ziegler; an expected great-grandson due in August; his beloved and loving sister, Sharon Mansmith; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Alice Wilhelms; his stepfather, Noble Williams; and his brother and sister-in-law, LeRoy and Juanice Wilhelms.
Don’s legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the music he shared, and the many lives he touched through his kindness, generosity, and unwavering character.
VISITATION: Family will greet friends and relatives from 1:00 – 3:00 PM on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Kurki Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 31 East Division Street, Fond du Lac.
SERVICE: Memorial services will be held at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Kurki Funeral Chapel & Crematory, with Darrell Brown officiating. Inurnment to take place at Estabrooks Cemetery on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
Kurki Funeral Chapel & Crematory is serving the family. An on-line guestbook can be found at www.kurkifuneralchapel.com. 920-921-4420