Donald Lee Downing, 80, of Janesville passed away Saturday, May 5, 2012, at Nazareth House in Stoughton, Wis.
The son of Ernest and Anna (Cornell) Downing, he was born May 19, 1931, in Ontario. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953 and was stationed for a year in England.
Donald married Margaret Stoikes on July 19, 1952, in Ontario. After moving to Janesville, he and his wife owned and operated a donut shop in Janesville for 7 years. In 1966, Don graduated from Blackhawk Technical College with a degree in law enforcement. He was employed as a deputy sheriff by the Rock County Sheriff’s Department from 1966-1986. Don was a member of Janesville Masonic Lodge No. 55, the AARP, the NRA, the National Wild Turkey Federation and the American Legion. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, coffee clutching, trap shooting and above all being with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret; three children, Jeffery (Lucille) Downing of Reedsburg, Staryl (Michael) Hanson of Janesville and Kimberly (Kenneth) Baschleben of Janesville; six grandchildren, Amber Downing, Kyle Hanson, Stephanie (Chris) Bankes, Cody Hanson, Ryan (Lauren) Downing and Zachary Downing; one great-granddaughter, Natalie Bankes; and one brother, Charles (Dolores) Downing of Janesville.
In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by two brothers, Harry Downing and Harold Downing.
Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, May 9, at Henke-Clarson Funeral Home, 1010 N. Wright Road, Janesville, with services at 6 p.m., followed immediately by Masonic Services. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 10, at Hilltop Rest Cemetery, Ontario. Rev. Bruce Milleman will officiate. The Ontario American Legion Post will perform military rites.
Torkelson Funeral Home of Cashton is assisting the family and Henke-Clarson with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com or at www.henkeclarson.com.
