Donald Lee Schindler, age 80, passed away on March 29, 2026 in Owen.
Don was born on December 30, 1945 to Bruno and Marcella (Faude) Schindler and was raised on the family dairy farm. He graduated from Owen-Withee High School in 1964 and from UW-Eau Claire in 1969 with a degree in accounting. He served in the U.S. Army from 1969-1971 during the Vietnam era and was based in the finance office at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
Don was united in marriage to his wife of 56 years, Theresa Milliren, on August 23, 1969 in Owen. After his military discharge, Don and his family moved to La Crosse, while he traveled nationally as an auditor for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
In 1978, Don purchased the family farm from his parents after their retirement, and returned to Owen. He was the primary builder of the home he resided in for 47 years. After dairy farming for 12 years, Don transformed his side job as a tax practitioner for farmers into a full-time business. He had over 1,200 tax clients at the time of his retirement in 2019. He enjoyed being on-site at his clients’ farms and was known for his flying fingers on the calculator and for occasionally bartering his services for deer sausage or baked goods.
Don supported his community by serving as clerk of the Town of Maplehurst for 40 years, as a member of the O-W School Board and Lublin Fire District for several years, but was most passionate about Veteran’s Affairs. He was a member of the American Legion for over 45 years and served locally as the Post #547 Lublin Commander for almost two decades. Don proudly served as an American Legion Department of Wisconsin Vice Commander. He participated on many American Legion district, state and national committees, including Badger Legionnaire Committee, Finance Committee, National Non-Conventional Forces Committee and Homeland Security Committee. He also enjoyed talking with people in the community, especially while tipping back a cold beer.
Don is survived by his loving wife, Theresa; two daughters: LeAnne (Jamie Valentine) Schindler of Fitchburg and Jill (Drew Potocnik) Schindler of Owen; five grandchildren: Allison and Nathan Carpenter, Rachel and Braden Valentine and Lindsey Potocnik. He is also survived by his brothers, Dennis (Betty) Schindler of O’Fallon, MO and Jim Schindler of Owen, WI and sister Susan (Bob) Wood of Medford, WI, plus many in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family would like to extend a thank you for the kindness and care given to Don during his stay at the Clark County Rehabilitation & Living Center by the staff of 1 South. In addition, the family appreciates the exceptional services provided by Aspirus Hospice staff.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 11 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Owen. Father Stanislaus Michael Antony will officiate. Interment to follow at Maplehust Cemetery with Military Honors provided by Lublin American Legion Post #547, Owen American Legion Post #123, Owen-Withee Vets Club and Thorp VFW Post #9057. Family and friends are welcome from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service Saturday at the church. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Owen is entrusted with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in Don’s name be donated to the Wisconsin American Legion at wilegion.org.
Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.
