Donald Pflughoeft

A livestream of Don's Funeral Service and Military Honors Salute can be viewed in the box below this obituary beginning at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, March 25, 2024.

Donald "Donnie" or "Don" Robert Pflughoeft of Marshfield, formerly of Loyal, was born to Leo and Ethel (Stelloh) Pflughoeft in Neillsville, WI on August 3rd, 1932. He passed away at the age of 91 on March 17th, 2024.

Don grew up on a dairy farm in Neillsville with his parents and three sisters, Betty, Mary, and Pat, and attended the Silvercrest School. He worked on renovating houses with his grandfather, a time he looked back on fondly. He was drafted into the army in 1953 and served in the Korean War. During his time in the service, he was injured by a boulder falling on his ribs and his leg. He would share his rendition of this story with anyone would who take the time to listen to him. When he came home safely, he returned to his parents and continued to work on the farm.

Donald married the love of his life, Hazel J. (Schwamb) Pflughoeft on July 22nd, 1961. They had a son and a daughter together that they brought up in Neillsville. During their time together they enjoyed owning a dairy farm. At the same time he hauled mail for USPS. Together they farmed for 34 years and he hauled mail for 35 years before retiring in Loyal. His retirement was spent enjoying time with his friends and family. Whether it be ice fishing, bowling, or visiting casinos with Hazel, he was always on the go. They were also dedicated to running their paper routes for Buyers Guides and Black River Shoppers on Tuesdays and Fridays. Don and Hazel were married for 51 years before her passing. He prided himself in saying how they never had a fight during that time.

After his wife passed away, Don was fortunate enough to go on Honor Flight to Washington DC to see the war memorials with other veterans. This was a pivotal moment for him, as prior to this, he did not talk about his time in Korea. This helped with his healing and gave him the proper welcome home he deserved. He also has a memorial stone at the High Ground which he was very proud of.

In his last years, he spent most of his time with family and friends. Still going to the casino, fishing when he could, and tinkering with anything he could get his hands on.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Hazel Pflughoeft, his father and mother, Leo and Ethel Pflughoeft, his sister, Mary Pietenpol, and brother in laws, Kenneth Keller and Don Aumann.

Donald is survived by his son, Dale (Lynn) Pflughoeft, and daughter, Lori (Larry) Buffington. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Christopher (Brooke) Pflughoeft, Erin (Karl) Battin, Hannah (Matt) Thayer, Kayla (Scott) Marx. He is survived by three great grandchildren. McKenna Pflughoeft, Shania Pflughoeft, and Lillian Marx. He is also survived by his two sisters Pat Keller and Betty Aumann and brother-in-law David Pietenpol.

We'd like to thank the employees of Wells Nature View for their tremendous help with Don over the last three years since Covid. They treated him like family and made sure he was well taken care of. Also, thank you for all the care provided by St. Croix Hospice.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 25, 2024 at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m to 11:00 a.m., Monday morning prior to the service. Military Honors will be accorded by the Neillsville Veteran's council and will take place at Neillsville City Cemetery where Don will be interred.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed in Donnie's honor to The HighGround, W7031 Ridge Road, Neillsville, WI 54456.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Donnie's family with funeral arrangements.