Donald Richard Fermanich

Donald Richard Fermanich of Antigo passed away on July 25, 2026 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital at the age of 85.

Don was born on August 24, 1940 in Mattoon to the late Gerald and Ethel (Stone) Fermanich. He was united in marriage to Katherine Romero in 1961 in Brawley, CA.

He graduated from Mattoon High School. Don proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1960 to 1964. Upon his honorable discharge from the military and move back to Wisconsin from California, Don began working for Kohler in Sheboygan. He then went on to work at Wisconsin Bridge and Iron as a welder. He then worked for the Antigo School district as a custodian, retiring after 20 years.

Don was a member of Ss. Mary and Hyacinth Catholic Church. He enjoyed watching and participating in all sports. He enjoyed basketball, baseball, bowling, and hunting. He was an avid Brewer and Packer fan. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Don is survived by children David (LaDonna) Fermanich of Merrill, Janice (Keven) Schmidt of Merrill, and Dale (Dara) Fermanich of Hammond, WI, grandchildren Cory (Julie), Hannah (Raymond), Kyle (Charity), Gretta, Ian, and Evan, great grandchildren Caiden, Lexi, Eli, Carissa, and Keaton, sisters, Katherine Fermanich of West Allis, Mary Lombardo of Sheboygan, Elizabeth “Betty” Stephanie of Plymouth, Karen Fermanich of Plymouth, Geraldine Fermanich of Sheboygan and Carol (Rick) Mattmiller of Birnamwood, brothers James (Judy) Fermanich of Plymouth, and Joseph (Kathy) Fermanich of Pickerel, sister-in-law Debbie Fermanich of Wisconsin Dells; brother-in-law Peter Steckbauer of Harshaw

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers Wesley, Bob, and John Fermanich, sisters Donna Steckbauer and Theresa Strassburg, and brothers-in-law Royce Stephanie and Thomas Lombardo.

Visitation for Don will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. A service of remembrance will follow at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Bring your favorite memories or stories to share during this time. Entombment will follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in Don’s name, and memorials can be directed to his family.