Donald G. Church

Donald Gene Church passed away peacefully on Friday, May 22nd, 2026. Born on May 19th, 1942, in Butler, Missouri, to parents Lorena Scott Church and Glenn Nickel Church, Don lived life marked by service, athletic achievement, and a deep love for his family.

A 1960 graduate of Rich Hill High School in Missouri, Don was a gifted athlete who held the school’s fastest mile track record for over sixty years, a feat that stood until 2024. Immediately following his graduation, he answered the call to service by enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant and continued his commitment to his country by serving an additional two years in the Reserves.

While stationed at Travis Air Force Base in California in 1964, Don met Diane Groth, who was also serving in the Air Force. The two were married on December 29, 1965, beginning a lifelong journey of 62 years together. Don’s professional life was defined by his long tenure as an engineer for AT&T, a career he prepared for with the three months of study at West Point before eventually retiring in 1999.

Don was a man of many passions. He was an avid reader, often known to be reading three different books at once. He found great joy in the outdoors and sports, whether he was camping, golfing, bowling, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers through every win and loss.

Don’s legacy lives on through his wife Diane and his two daughters, Daria Church and Dawn Church-Liebelt (Jon Liebelt); his three grandchildren, Adria Church (fiancé Rick Strook), Joseph and Gabrielle Liebelt; and his three grandchildren, Audrey and Carter Strook, and Oliver Martinez. He is further survived by his brother Bill (Jennifer) Church and family members Christopher, David, Brandon, and Michelle Reeves (Church).

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 29th, at Divine Savior Lutheran Church (1081 Prospect Ave, North Fond du Lac). Visitation will begin at 11:00 am and continue until 12:45 pm, with the service to begin at 1:00 pm. Don will be laid peacefully to rest with Military Honors at 3:45 pm at St. Charles Cemetery in Fond du Lac.

Twohig Funeral Home is serving the family with guestbook and condolences at www.twohigfunerals.com.