Donald Leonard Guth, 74, passed away at his home in Ypsilanti, Michigan, on December 27, 2025, after a sudden illness.  His family is grateful that he was able to celebrate Christmas surrounded by his immediate family, enjoying time together.

Born on May 2, 1951, in Menominee, Michigan, Donald was raised on the Guth family dairy farm in Crivitz, Wisconsin, a twin and one of seven children born to Ernest and Florence Guth. Growing up on the farm instilled in him the value of hard work.

Donald served as a United States Marine during the Vietnam War, embracing the Corps' values fully and carrying that identity with him throughout his life. After completing his service, he earned his high school diploma from Crivitz High School based on his military coursework. He often joked that he was the only graduate of Crivitz High School with a half credit in chemical warfare on his transcript. Afterward, he attended the University of Wisconsin–River Falls for one year and farmed for several years with his father before transitioning to other work.

Donald worked for many years at the Land O'Lakes cheese factory in Denmark, Wisconsin, as well as at WG&R Furniture and EMT International. He was an active member of the American Legion Post 476 (Loomis, WI) where he was promoted to Vice Commander, and he was also a proud Teamster.

Nearly 20 years ago, Donald was diagnosed with stage IV non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and was given a prognosis that suggested his family should prepare for the worst. Instead, he defied the odds, surviving for two more decades through multiple recurrences, chemotherapy, and a bone marrow transplant. He viewed those years as a gift and lived them with gratitude.

Service to others remained central to Donald's life. Before medical treatments made him ineligible, he donated nearly 10 gallons of blood to the American Red Cross, earning a Wisconsin Governor's Challenge blood donation pin.

Donald met his wife Mary Lu (Seidel) Guth when his cousin, Mary's college roommate, brought her to the farm on a family visit in 1982 and married in 1983. Together they built a life in Green Bay, Wisconsin, rooted in devotion to family. In his quieter moments, Donald enjoyed bird watching, caring for his house plants, rooting for the Green Bay Packers, following current events, and spending time with his family. He was known for his dry wit and sharp eye for the news, often sharing local updates or a wry remark. He found humor in dark places and could laugh where others could not. Beneath that humor was a steady, sometimes surprising tenderness. Donald had a lifelong fondness for animals that reflected his farm upbringing. He enjoyed feeding all kinds of animals and had a gentle patience with them, once raising baby ducks and taming chickens. Animals seemed to trust him, and he took quiet pleasure in caring for them. He cared deeply for his family and especially for his grandchildren, who brought him great joy.

Donald is survived by his wife, Mary Lu Guth; his children, LuMarie Guth (Curtis Ingram), Margaret Guth (John Derkacz), and Matthew Guth; his grandchildren, Reba and Rosemarie Ingram, and Barrett and Charles Derkacz; his siblings, Paula Guth, Ronald Guth (Beth), Greta Guth Gustin (Bob), and John Guth; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Florence Guth; his sister, Joyce Ann Weddel (Leonard); and his brother, Bruce Guth (Judy).

Friends and family will gather at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 12pm (NOON) to 2pm on Friday, January 2; Service to follow at 2pm. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.