Donald's Funeral Mass will be livestreamed on the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton YouTube channel.
Follow this link to view: Donald Dierschke Funeral Mass

Donald Joe Dierschke, Cpt. USAF, 90, Green Bay, passed from this life Wednesday, July 23, 2025.

Born November 30,1934 to Joseph G. and Gertrude M. Dierschke in Rowena, TX, Donald was frequently "on the move." He graduated valedictorian from St. Joseph School in Rowena in 1952. He received his B.S. from Texas A&M Univ, in 1956, then went on to complete the M.S. from Montana State Univ. in 1958 and the Ph.D. in Animal Physiology from the Univ. of California, Davis in 1965 with sponsorship from The Danforth Foundation. Subsequent to being commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Air Force in 1956, he served on active duty from 1957 to 1960. His first academic assignment was at Oklahoma City Univ where he attained the rank of Full Professor. Being awarded an N.I.H. Postdoctoral Fellowship, he pursued further training in research under Dr. Ernest Knobil at the Univ. of Pittsburg Medical School, Pittsburgh, PA. 1969-73. He then joined the Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison, faculty with appointments as Professor of Animal Science and Senior Researcher at the Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center where he completed his career in teaching and research, retiring in 1996.  Along the way, he completed sabbatical leaves at the Weitzmaun Institute of Science, dept. of Hormone Research, Rehovot, Israel as a Senior Fullbright International Fellow, and at the Univ. of Saskatchewan College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. During his tenure at Wisconsin, he also served at Editor in Chief, Biology of Reproduction,1986-1990.

Donald married Claryce Monica Bednarz August 18, 1956 in Slaton, TX. Daughters, Brenda Jeanne was born March 22, 1958, in Condon, OR, and Cheryl Anne, was born August 2, 1959 in Spokane, WA. The family moved 19 times before settling in Madison, WI. As they were building their "dream" retirement home at Gresham, WI, Claryce succumbed to cancer before it was completed. Donald then married Kay Ella Buxkemper Bruedigam March 11, 2000 in Lubbock, TX. They divided their time between Wisconsin and Lubbock, TX. They also travelled extensively, both domestic and international.

In addition to Claryce, he was predeceased by his parents; sisters, Billie Jean Dierschke and Peggy Jo Lisso; brother-in-law, Finley Lisso; nephew, Darrell Lisso.

Survivors include his loving wife, Kay Ella; daughters, Brenda (Thomas) Zabriskie, Cheryl (Jerry) Hanson; stepdaughters, Conda Kay (Dr. Brad) Brooks, Coleta Ann (Mac) Langford; 10 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Throughout his life, Donald was a steadfast Catholic, participating especially with the Knights of Columbus as well as volunteering in many capacities to promote the work of the Church. He was also an accomplished woodworker and enjoyed working with many kinds of plants and trees, including natural prairie plants.

Friends and family will gather at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2771 Oakwood Dr., from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 30; Mass to follow at 10:30 a.m. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Don's name.

Special thank you to the staffs of Autumn's Promise, Moments Hospice, and all the caregivers and supporters who helped provide gentle care and compassion to Don in his final days.