Donald B. Charnetski

Passed away on August 1, 2023 at the age of 92. Husband of nearly 73 years to Helen Charnetski (née Stenzel). Cherished father of James (Mary Ellen) Charnetski and Judy (Mark) Shea-Blazejovsky. Treasured grandfather of Scott (Andrea) Shea, Amy (Brian) Wrasman, Brian (LeAnn) Shea, Jennifer (Ryan) Gallagher, Katie (Brian) Leech, Kayla (Austin) Shea, Brandon (Breanne) Shea, and Michael (Danelle) Blazejovsky, and adored great-grandfather of Maxwell, Ethan, Callahan, Jackson, Jenna, Alexandria, Bella, Finnegan, Charlie, Madden, Owen, James, Stella, Ona, and Bradley. Preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Suzanne Charnetski. Loved by so many other relatives, friends, and acquaintances.

Donald, Don, Dad, Papa, Grandpa, Great Grandpa—a man of multiple names who was loved and cherished by many. He loved the simple joys in life: ice cream, Kopp’s burgers & frozen custard, mashed potatoes, MGD, brandy & Pepsi, (brandy) old fashioneds, liver sausage, maybe a few shots of Jägermeister, and a good Western to watch.

He’d welcome any person he met like they were already family and couldn’t wait to just sit around, chat, and overserve drinks. He'd give you the shirt off his back if you needed it (or even if you just wanted it!) He could tear up a dance floor and loved to polka. He was the family fixer, the constant helper. He could fix any small engine and regularly had 5+ lawn mowers or snowblowers from family members or neighbors in his garage, fixed and ready to be returned. He also greatly appreciated a driveway clear of snow and/or leaves—done his way.

He worked hard always, and had a motto to never slow down or you’ll stop. He had many mottos, songs, or one-liners, in fact—some more appropriate than others—and he always knew how to make everyone laugh and have a good time. He leaves a deep impact on those who knew him and reminds us all to hold on to the good moments and little things in life.

Don was born in Fish Creek, WI and moved to the Milwaukee area in 1959. He started with farm chores at the age of 5, worked in the shipyards during WWII, and then was a union sheet metal worker for 38 years until his retirement. But above all else, he devoted himself to his family and countless loved ones he considered family. He will be missed by so many.

A visitation will be held on Monday, August 7, 2023 at MAX A. SASS & SONS WESTWOOD CHAPEL, W173S7629 Westwood Dr, Muskego, WI 53150 from 10am until the time of funeral service at 12pm. Entombment at Wisconsin Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are appreciated.

Cheers, Papa. Life is too short, even when it’s long.