Full Obituary

     DONALD C. BANGART, age 77, of Greenwood, passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at his residence.  Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Loyal with Rev. Emmanuel Famiyeh officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Don’s nephews.  Visitation will be held at the church on Friday, December 13, 2024 from 4 to 8 p.m., with a 4 p.m. rosary service, and on Saturday, from 9 a.m. until time of service.
     Donald Clarence Bangart was born September 2, 1947, in Marshfield, the son of Anton and Mercedes (Kloos) Bangart.  He grew up on the family farm in the Town of Day and attended St. Andrew parochial school, graduating from Marshfield Senior High in 1965.  He entered military service with the U.S. Army in October 1966.  Don married Patricia J. Rueth on July 24, 1971, at St. Anthony Catholic Church.  They were married for 42 years before Patt’s passing in August 2013.  Together they enjoyed many years of dairy farming, quiet time at the cabin, small trips, and spending time with family and friends, especially their grandkids.  They farmed and raised their four children in Auburndale for the first 33 years of their lives together.  During this time Don was involved with St. Mary Catholic Church and School where he was a communion minister and usher, as well as serving on the school board and parish council.  Furthermore, he was the Holy Name Society treasurer and the chair of the Lenten fish fries for over 25 years.  He gave many years of service to the Marshfield American Legion as a dedicated and reliable member of their Honor Guard at military funerals.  Dad was also the quiet, supportive, behind the scenes leader for his kids’ activities for 4-H, FFA & Alumni, CWSF, and sports.  He would proudly tell others that “our kids’ registered Holstein activities took us places around the state and country.”  His strong farmer hands would turn gentle when it came to his passions of carpentry & woodworking, leathercrafting, casting a line, shouldering a hunting rifle for deer season, sliding the cards across the table during Sheepshead, or turning the pages of the kids and grandkids favorite Berenstain Bears storybook.
     Don’s unwavering love of farming supported the decision to relocate and expand the dairy operation into Viaduct Holsteins LLC in the Greenwood/Loyal area twenty years ago.  This brought many continuous years of farm growth and progression that would carry on his legacy as one of the thousands of proud WI dairy farmers.  He was involved with all aspects of the day-to-day farm, cattle, and land operations.  Clark County farm life was not Don’s only passion in semi-retirement, as he became even more involved in his faith and community activities.  He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Loyal where he continued his servant duties of communion minister, usher, parish council and choir member.  Besides his great love to sing in church, he was invited to join the Clark County Male Chorus and was active until his passing. Additionally, he was a proud Loyal American Legion member where he served on the Honor Guard, marched in many local parades, and helped serve countless event meals.  In October 2022 he had the privilege of flying with the Never Forgotten Honor Flight to Washington D.C. and in March 2024 was awarded the Loyal Legionnaire of the Year.
     He will be dearly missed by his children and grandchildren: David (Amber) Bangart, Greenwood, and their children Adalyn, Cole, and Danika; Mary (Michael) Ketchum, Altura, MN, and their daughters Katelyn and Kyli; the late Dennis (Sarah) Bangart, WI Rapids, and their children Luciana, Hendrick, and Loretta; and Michelle "Mikki" (Darrin) Wirt, Lewiston, MN. Don is further survived by siblings: Marilyn Brumbaugh, Rapids City, SD; Darlene (Jan) Harmon, Springfield, MO; Charlie (Judy) Bangart, Stratford; Jane (Dennis) Pankratz, Auburndale; and in-laws Norman Wolf, Spencer; Bob (Roxanne) Aschebrock, Stratford; Jenny Bangart, Stratford; Anna Rueth, Loyal; Roger (Alora) Rueth, Loyal; Sue (Mike) Gumz, Athens; Bengie (Larry) Quelle, Loyal; Roy (Helen) Rueth, Unity; Rose (Neal) Mondloch, Loyal; Kay (John) Krings, New Brighton, MN; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
     He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Patti; son Dennis; parents Tony and Mercedes; parents-in-law Ed and Florence Rueth; a sister Patsy in childhood; sisters Monica Wolf, Sister Antoinette Bangart, and JoAnn Aschebrock; brothers and in-laws Jim Bangart, Terry (Holly) Bangart, Tom Bangart, Roy Brumbaugh, Bob (Marie) Rueth, Tom Rueth, and Ralph Rueth.
     Donnie’s patient, caring, and sweet personality will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew him. We will love you always Dad/Papa Bear/Grandpa Gator!
     Memorials will be donated to local organizations that Don was involved in within his communities.