Donald McCoy, 89, of Holmen, Wis., and formerly of rural Norwalk passed away Saturday, June 23, 2012, at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, while surrounded by his family.
Donald was born Nov. 16, 1922, in the town of Sheldon to William and C. May (Allison) McCoy. He graduated from Ontario High School and took over the family farm in Oil City, outside of Ontario. He was proud of his award-winning Jersey herd. He married Phyllis E. Parrish on Sept. 16, 1943.
Don enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, and especially turkey hunting. Over the years, he and Phyllis bagged many turkeys that became Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. But most of all, Don enjoyed spending time with his family: his five redheaded daughters, his sons-in-law, his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren. “Pa” and his sense of humor will be missed by all.
Donald is survived by his wife, Phyllis of Holmen; his daughters, Pat (Bob) Nelson and Elaine (Glenn) Gran, both of Onalaska, Wis., Earlene (William) O’Keefe of Barneveld, Wis., and Dawn McCoy of Oconomowoc, Wis.; a son-in-law, Phil Nelson of Galesville, Wis.; a sister, Margaret Levandosky of Milwaukee; his grandchildren, Eric Nelson, Joe (Rae) O’Keefe, Chris (Rani) Gran, Kevin (Aimee) Nelson, Ed (Colleen) O’Keefe and Kara (Jason) Nelson-Somerfeldt; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Donald was preceded in death by his daughter, Nancy Nelson; his parents; his brothers, Gordon and Albert McCoy; a grandson, Curt Gran; and his in-laws, Roy and Hazel Parrish.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, July 2, at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Ontario. Pastor Michael Gjefle will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hilltop Rest Cemetery, Ontario. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Don’s name to the charity of the donor’s choice. The Torkelson Funeral Home in Ontario is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
