Donald W. Patton Sr.

Donald "Don" passed away on Monday, March 29, 2021. He was born on March 14, 1952 to the late William and Mary Jane Patton (DeGrave). Along with Don they had another son Jim (Kathy) Patton. Unfortunately when Don was barely a teenager, he lost his father William due to kidney failure.

Years later Mary Jane remarried and had 2 more children: Mary Kay DeGrave and Joe (Lisa) DeGrave.

In August 1970 Don and Mary Ratajczyk were married. They had 3 beautiful children Donald "DJ" Patton, Wendy (Darrin) Brantmeier, and Tina (Dean) Reince. Don had his own family and was complete. This family was very close and inseparable.

Over the next 27 years there were additions to his family, grandchildren, oh how Papa loved his grandchildren: Brittany Spencer, Trisha (Brittany) Patton, Jamie "JJ" Spencer, Amanda (Ryan) LaPlante, Justin Reince, and Shawn Ringer; along with 3 great-granddaughters Rori, Briana, and Harper LaPlante. His heart was full.

Don and Mary parted ways many years ago. But unfortunately tragedy had hit Don and his family in March of 1999. Don had lost his son DJ in a snowmobile accident. His family was devastated. In January 2017, tragedy struck again when Don lost his grandson JJ in a vehicle accident. One year later, in May of 2018, Don lost his mother, Mary Jane DeGrave.

Though heartbreak had hit Don so much, the love from his children, grandchildren, and dogs helped him through his journey of life.

Don was a caring, loving, "I'll give the shirt off my back" type of guy. Don always had a smile on his face. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Don had a trailer at Hilltop Resort in Crivitz where he and his family spent a lot of time. Don enjoyed his hunting and fishing seasons. He enjoyed this most with family, friends, and brother-in-law Edward Brien.

In April 2015 Don met Theresa DePrey and they have been together ever since.

Don will surely be missed by all but especially by his children, grandchildren, brothers, sister, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law. Don is also leaving behind nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Don was a hardworking guy and was a roofer for over 40 years.

The family would like to thank his contractors Murphy Development, Watermolen Enterprises, Keith DuQuaine and more for the trust you put in our Dad for roofing your apartments.

Thank you to the nursing staff at Odd Fellows Nursing Home and Unity Hospice. Over the past few weeks, they put up with Dad's fun, sassy behavior.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Don's name.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 9, 2021 at Newcomer Green Bay Chapel (340 S. Monroe Ave. Green Bay, WI) from 3 pm to 6 pm. A memorial service will follow at 6 pm. To leave an online condolence please visit www.newcomergreenbay.com.