Donald Baars

Donald William Baars was born June 1, 1936 in Mosinee to the late Cassius and Alma Baars. He was a graduate of Mosinee High School. Don married Jacqueline and the happy couple was blessed with the addition of their only child, Michele. Shortly after marrying, Don served in the US Army Reserves with the 376th Finance Distribution Section.

Throughout his life, Don was a hard and dedicated worker. He began providing for his family working with Able Distributing Company for many years before forming a partnership and working with Heating Design and Supply as a designer of HVAC systems. Later, Don founded Baars Mechanical Design, which he and Jacqueline operated until his passing. When not working, Don was an avid hunter. He took annual trips out to South Dakota with his hunting buddies and is a former member of Pheasants Forever. In his later years, Don enjoyed landscaping around his home, planting rose bushes and shrubs.

Donald William Baars, 74, Rib Mountain, died Friday, October 8, 2010 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Donald is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Jacqueline of Rib Mountain; daughter, Michele Lee; son-in-law, Timothy Lee; grandsons, Brent Lee and Bruce Lee all of Eagan, MN; brothers, Harvey Baars of Rothschild, Clarence (Cornelia) Baars of Mosinee and Lester Baars of Birnamwood; sister-in-law, Addie Baars of Topeka, KS; and many extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his sister, Lorraine Zastrow and brother, Cassius Baars.

There will be a memorial visitation on Saturday, October 16, 2010 at Helke Funeral Home beginning at 4:00 pm and lasting until 7:00 PM. You may sign our family guest book at www.helke.com.

Don's family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of the Aspirus Regional Cancer Center and Oncology Department of Aspirus Wausau Hospital for their compassionate care of Don. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Aspirus Health Foundation to Support the Aspirus Regional Cancer Center, 425 Pine Ridge Boulevard, Wausau, WI 54401.