Donald Anklam

A celebration of life began as Donald completed his journey to Heaven on Sunday, November 23, at the age of 88, surrounded by his family and minister at Applegate Terrace, where he and Ruth resided. His strong faith and love of God made his journey to Heaven an easy transition.

Donald was born January 28, 1926, in Wausau to the late Ernest and Clara (Neitzke) Anklam. He grew up on the family farm in the Town of Stettin. He attended high school at the Wausau Senior High School and graduated in 1944.

On October 25, 1947, he was united in marriage to Ruth (Breitenfeldt) Anklam. This past October marked their 67th wedding anniversary.

There are many fond memories of Dad which were made from his love of fishing, playing dartball for the St. Mark's Beavers as a charter member of the team and being named "Papa Beaver," hunting at the hunting shack, camping, listening to polka music, playing Sheepshead, working on the farm, and many more memories that we will always hold near and dear to our hearts. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The smiles that his grandchildren, and especially great-grandchildren, brought to his face made everyone around him smile. He was the epitome of a "great" grandpa.

Dad worked hard and instilled his hard work ethics on all his kids. He was proud to have started work at Marathon Corp. (aka: American Can Company, now Graphic Packaging) as a machine operator in the Finishing Department, while also working as the Maintenance Engineer at the former St. Mark's Lutheran School and Church. He was always there to lend a helping hand to whom ever needed it. Dad's sense of humor was infectious with many of his children sometimes being told that we're full of it. He was the best father we ever had….Dad would appreciate the humor!

Survivors include his wife, Ruth; his children, Susan (Jim Ostrowski - deceased) Anklam, Bruce (Linda), Nancy (Ron) Fenhaus, Clark (Kathy), Patti (Gary) Busche, Joyce (Peter) Reger, Kevin (Jenny), Vicki (Peter) Porter, and Keith (Kristine); 18 grandchildren, Tim, Alissa, Krista, Bethany, Sara, Becky, Lisa, Matt, Hillary, Donny, Nicki, Corey, Jon, Jenny, Ben, Liz, Kyler, and Kolton; and 16 great-grandchildren, Hannah, Garrett, Wyatt, Gabe, Brogan, Brennan, Taylor, Teagan, Luke, Brianna, Conner, Brynn, Kylie, Callie, Emily, and Aubrey – his special little "Poopsie." He is also survived by two daughters-in-law, Dorie Anklam and Barb Reynolds; and many cousins and friends.

In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by his brother, John; sons, Brian and David; and daughter, Janel.

Services will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, 1300 Townline Road, Wausau, on Saturday, November 29, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will be held Friday, November 28 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau, and again from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will take place in Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau.

You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.

The family would like to thank Joyce and Patti for their loving care and comfort for Daddy and the staff at Applegate Terrace for all that they did in helping him be so comfortable.

Rest in peace Daddy – we will meet again in Heaven!!