Donald “Rocky” Hundt, 86, of Cashton passed away Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012, after a short battle with lung cancer.
Don was born Dec. 16, 1925, to Frank and Agnes (Silha) Hundt. He was baptized, confirmed and married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cashton. On Sept. 22, 1949, he was united in holy matrimony to Annette Flock, and together they proudly raised six children. Don was co-owner of the family business, Hundt Implement, for 65 of its 85 years.
In September 1943, at age 17, Don enlisted in the United States Army Air Force. Nine months later, he was being trained as a tailgunner in B-29 bomber planes. He was stationed in the South Pacific, on the island of Tinian, during World War II. Rocky was a sergeant in the 20th Air Force Sixth Bombardier group. He and his crew were involved in many humanitarian missions.
Don joined the Cashton American Legion in 1948. He was the last original member of the Cashton Firing Squad. He proudly marched with the color guard in the Cashton Fall Festival parades for 64 years, and one year he held the honor of parade marshal. Rocky was very active within the community, where he volunteered by teaching hunter safety, officiating basketball, and being part of the football chain Gang for 57 years, along with being a member of the American Legion, VFW, Knights of Columbus and Veterans Memorial Committee.
Through the years, Rocky enjoyed gardening and sharing his produce. He was an accomplished woodworker, and his kids’ homes are filled with crafts that he made over the years, as well as many of his friend’s homes who were fortunate to receive gifts from him. Don enjoyed spending family time in Hatfield on Lake Arbutus, in addition to going hunting and fishing with his boys.
Don loved sports and was a big supporter and fan of Cashton athletics. He got his name “Rocky” by being the only undefeated boxer in the history of Cashton High School. Rocky was also a faithful Brewer, Badger and Green Bay Packer enthusiast. He will be remembered as a fun-loving, hard-working and generous man.
Don is survived by his children, Bob of Cashton, Barbara of Madison, Bill (Susie) of Cashton, Bruce (Wendi) of Onalaska, Bryan (Sarah) of Madison and Becky (Bill) Byron of Onalaska. He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Molli and Dustin (Anna) of Cashton, Chelsea and Betsy of Onalaska, and Jordan and Brandon of Madison; his brothers, Jerome, John and Tom; a sister, Agnes Blair; along with other relatives and many good friends.
Don was preceded in death by his wife Annette in 2011; his parents, Agnes and Frank; and his brothers, Ray, Frank and Jim.
A celebration of Don’s life was Friday, Sept. 28, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cashton, with Father Michael Klos officiating. Burial followed in Sacred Heart Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that memorials be given in Don’s name to a charity of their choice. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Cashton is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
