Donald J. Everix

Donald J. Everix

Donald J. Everix, of Grafton, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, was born to eternal life on December 5, 2023, at the age of 84, at Lawliss Family Hospice in Mequon, surrounded by his loving family.

Don was born on March 18, 1939 in Fond du Lac, WI to Victor and Katherine (nee Harlow) Everix. He grew up in Chilton and graduated from Chilton High School, class of 1957. After high school Don moved to Milwaukee in search of employment. In 1962 Don begrudgingly agreed to be set up on a blind date arranged by his cousin. Well, that blind date led to Don marrying the love of his life, Kathleen (nee Siemann) on July 11, 1964. Don loved to tell the story of how he and Kathy met and joked that he was blind ever since that blind date. Due to his “clowning around’ he was affectionately known as “Kathy’s Clown.” Their marriage was blessed with three daughters whom Don loved with all his heart.

Don worked hard throughout his life in all that he did. He worked at Wilson Shoe Factory for a short time before following in his father’s and uncle's footsteps by becoming a baker. His dream was to be the owner of a bakery which became a reality in 1984 when he proudly opened Don Everix Bakery in Grafton and Cedarburg. He took great pride in the baked goods he produced. Community members reminisce about the bakery to this day. In 1995, Don sold the bakery and became a custodian at Grafton High School. It was here that he self-proclaimed himself as the “Colonel of the Urinals.” Again, that was Don’s sense of humor. Don thoroughly enjoyed working at the school as he joked with the students, formed many special friendships with his co-workers and made his acting debut as Officer Krupke in the West Side Story musical.

Don was an active member of the Rods-N-Relics Car Club for over 30 years. He loved cruising in his 1958 Chevy Impala and passed his passion for classic cars on to his grandchildren. Over the years, Don developed very close friendships with fellow club members which he cherished.

Don’s pastimes and hobbies included spending time with family and friends, enjoying the great outdoors at his home in Beecher (except when the fishing line became tangled, then it was Kathy to the rescue), frequenting his favorite casinos and watching the stock market. He was a big sports fan and could be found cheering on his favorite sports teams: Detroit Lions, St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Celtics and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

The baker in Don never left as he loved baking for family and friends. One of his favorite traditions was our annual cookie bake after the Grafton Christmas Parade. Here he shared his talent of baking and treasured watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren decorate the infamous cut-out cookies.

Don’s witty sense of humor, honesty and straightforward nature made him well-respected by loved ones and friends. Don was forever generous and always willing to help those in need. He believed in giving everyone a chance. He loved joking and will be remembered as the “prankster”. Don was satisfied with the simple pleasures in life and truly had a heart of gold. He will be greatly missed by his deeply saddened family and dear friends.

Don is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 59 years, Kathleen. Cherished father of Donna (Tamas) Everix, Lisa (Joseph) Henning and Kathryn (Ryan) Groff. Proud Grandpa of Adriana and Gabriella Everix; Daniel, Christopher and Michael (Heather Short) Henning; Sophia, Killian, Nicole and Caleb Groff; Haiden Mackey and Landon Stolper. Adoring great-grandpa of Joey Skyles, Journee Franks and Atlas Henning. Further survived by sisters Rita Everix and Mary Verch; brother Emil (Pauline) Everix; brother-in-law Rick (Mary Kay) Siemann; nieces; nephews and many other relatives and dear friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Jerome Everix, sister Dorothy Lindstrom, brothers-in-law Roy Verch and Gerald Lindstrom, sisters-in-law Susan Siemann and Alyce Everix and nephew Danny Everix.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation appreciated.

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