Donald Allen Lietha, Sr.

Donald A. Lietha Sr., age 76, of Gordon, WI passed away on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at St. Lukes Hospital in Duluth, MN.

Donald Allen Lietha was born October 21, 1948, in Winona, MN the son of Milton and Evelyn (Kindschy) Lietha.  Don was raised in the Solon Springs, WI area where he attended school and graduated in 1966.  Don joined the U.S. Air Force in 1967 and served his country for seven years.  On April 19, 1969, Don was joined in marriage to Faye L. Meller in Solon Springs.  Don and Faye lived in Louisiana, New Mexico, North Dakota and Thailand while serving in the Air Force.  Don was honorably discharged from service on December 5, 1974, and during his service earned the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Medal and the Air Force Longevity Service Award.  He and Faye returned to northern Wisconsin where they made their home in Bennett and then Solon Springs.  Don worked for Douglas County Highway Department for over thirty years before retiring from the county.  Don took season work for Douglas County Forestry Department where he operated heavy machinery.  Throughout his life, Don enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working in his vegetable garden and sharing its harvest.  Don was a hard worker who would do anything to help someone in need.

Don is survived by his wife of 55 years, Faye; three children, Mary (Joel) Schilling of Motley, MN, Donald (Debra) Lietha Jr. of Bennett, WI, Sandra (Corey Mankoski) of Superior, WI; grandchildren, Debra (Thomas) Trana, Nicole (Scott Deegan) Delahunt, Dennis Stuart Jr., Amanda (Shawn) DesLauriers, Dustin Lietha, Deanna Lietha; siblings, Duane (Helen) Lietha of Fort Myers, FL, Doris (Victor) Wester of Lake Nebagamon, WI, Mary (Tim) Freid of Solon Springs, WI, Dale (Jan) Lietha of Lake Nebagamon, WI, Kathy (Mike) Riebli, of Bonners Ferry, ID, Joanne (Randy) Morris of Bonners Ferry, ID; brothers-in-law, John (Cheryl) Meller of Bennett, WI, Jens Gregerson of South Range, WI; nine great grandchildren; Brayden Trana, Brooklyn Deegan, Noah Trana, Dennis Stuart III, Josiah Stuart, Adalyn Marshall, Maverick Trana, Jackson Deegan, Everett DesLauriers; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law and father-in-law, John and Mary Meller; and sister-in-law, Lynn Gregerson.

A time of gathering celebrating Don’s life will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Solon Springs Community Center on Friday, November 22, 2024. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald Allen Lietha, Sr., please visit our floral store.