Donald Guse

Donald “Don” Guse, 83, of Antigo, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at Aspirus Antigo Hospital on September 29, 2025.

Born in Beaver Dam on August 6, 1942 to Alfred and Evelyn (Roberts) Guse, Don graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1960 and later from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh with a degree in Education in 1965.

Don began his teaching career in Antigo in 1965, teaching middle school social studies. He went on to serve as both junior high and high school athletic director, a role he proudly held until his retirement in 1997. Don was recognized as Athletic Director of the Year for District Two, which included 65 schools.

Basketball was one of Don’s true passions. He served as an assistant coach under John Nicholas and Pat Hammond, helping guide and support countless student athletes. In addition, he officiated basketball and football at many high schools across northern and central Wisconsin for years, leaving a lasting mark on the sports community.

Service to his community was central to Don’s life. After retiring, he and his wife Jean devoted countless hours to Meals on Wheels, transported injured birds for the Raptor Center, and volunteered in many other ways. Don found joy in giving back and in connecting with others.

He was a true Wisconsin sports fan cheering on the Badgers, Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Cubs, and Antigo Red Robins. He built impressive collections of vintage baseball memorabilia, unique Packer and Badger items, and loved the thrill of finding treasures at garage sales, estate sales, and auctions.

Don and Jean shared a love of travel, visiting 49 of the 50 states, all of the Canadian provinces, and many Caribbean islands. Together they attended three Olympic Games: Atlanta, Sydney, and Beijing.

Above all, Don’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jean; son Dean (Ida) Guse and granddaughter Dakotah of Butternut, WI; grandchildren Jenna Pudder, Candace (Ervey) Duran, Andy (Mary) Pudder; and great-grandchildren Bryce, Elijah, Quinn, Hayden, and Noah of Wisconsin Rapids, WI. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Virginia Guse of Valparaiso, IN.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Evelyn, his brother Dennis Guse, and his daughter Janet Post.

To honor Don’s memory, the family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made to Calvary Lutheran Church, Raptor Education Group Inc. or the Antigo Football Stadium Fund in lieu of flowers.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held on Monday, October 13, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Calvary Lutheran Church with Pastor Jennifer Sosinski officiating. Visitation will take place prior to the service at the church from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. To celebrate him in true spirit, the family encourages you to wear your favorite sporting apparel to the service.