Donald Hastert Obituary

Donald F. Hastert, 84, of Platteville, WI died peacefully Saturday, March 29, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 16, 1940, the son of Richard and Linda (Ferguson) Hastert in Darlington, WI. Don attended Holy Rosary Grade School and graduated from Darlington High School in 1958. After school, he based his life on love, service, and simple joys. Don served in the United States Army as a Personnel Specialist and Radio Operator for the 588th Engineer Battalion. He married Diane Bennett in Darlington in 1966 and, during their marriage, they had two children, Angie and Amy. Don was then united in marriage to Marilyn (Margan) Shilliam on August 2, 1986, at the Lutheran Church of Peace in Platteville, WI.
A hard worker, Don began his career working at A & P Grocery in Darlington for 3 years before moving on to Dick's Supermarket. He dedicated 38 years at Dick's as a department manager, working in their stores in Darlington, Boscobel, Lancaster and Platteville. Don was a bowler, an apt GIF sender, and an avid sports fan, following the Badgers, Packers and Brewers. His tireless good cheer was remarkable. His favorite moments in life were "sitting and just visiting" with family, friends, and strangers who would soon be friends. He loved nothing more than a Blue Moon, a bowl of popcorn, a little Korbel and doing a crossword puzzle.
Don is survived by his loving wife Marilyn; dear children Angie (Steve) Scharnell, Amy (Tim) Hansmann, Tom (Amy) Shilliam, and Lauri (Eric) LaVoy; and beloved grandchildren Jon and Sarah Scharnell, Nick Hansmann, and Briar (Maddi) Shilliam. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Francis "Fritz" Hastert.
Services celebrating Don's Life will be held at noon on Friday, April 4, 2025 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory in Platteville. Pastor Mary Ann Floerke will officiate. Chapel Military Rites will be accorded by American Legion Post #42 and VFW Post #5247. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Burial will be at the Hillside Cemetery in Platteville. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.
Don's family would like to extend eternal thanks to the extraordinary staff at Southwest Health for their compassionate care and support.
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