Donald Michalski

Donald Michalski

October 31, 1945 - October 19, 2023

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Obituary

Madison - Donald Lee "Don" Michalski, age 77, passed away on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at Attic Angels in Middleton. He was born in Wausau, WI, on October 31, 1945, the son of Leopold and Marietta (Riehle) Michalski. Don attended Marathon Center for the first 2 years of college before transferring to the University of Wisconsin Madison where he finished with his pharmacy degree. Don took an internship at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Milwaukee where he met his future wife, Mary (McDonald) who happened to be a nursing student at the same hospital. He and Mary were married on October 3, 1970, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Milwaukee and together they celebrated 53 years of marriage just two weeks ago. They moved back to Madison where Don obtained his master's degree in Hospital Pharmacy Administration from UW Madison. The family moved to Rockford, IL when Don went to work for the Swedish American Hospital as an Associate Director. in March of 1983 he was called back to Madison and the University of Wisconsin, which was building a new School of Veterinary Medicine, as the Director of Pharmacy. Don was there for 25 years until he retired.

Don was a member of the Society of Veterinary Hospital Pharmacists and the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin. He was also an adjunct professor at the UW Madison School of Pharmacy.

Don enjoyed gardening and took care of the gardens for those who needed it. He also was an avid volunteer. He spent his time assisting the Red Cross, Ronald McDonald House, St. Thomas Youth Group, and St. Dennis Youth Group just to name a few.

Don is survived by his wife, Mary; his children, Cindy Austin and Brent Lee Michalski; grandchildren, Lucy Austin, Drew Austin, Grey Austin, and Quin Austin; siblings, Karen (Mike) Palluconi, Jim (Marge) Michalski, Tom (Jessica) Michalski, Kathy (Reuben) Glass, and Kristine (Russ) Weigal; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a son-in-law, Jason Austin.

The family would like to thank Attic Angels, Agrace Hospice, and UW Clinics Verona, especially Dr. Camille Gonzalez, for all the care and support given to Don.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 602 Everglade Dr, Madison, with Msgr. James Gunn presiding. A visitation will be held from 9:30am until the time of mass. A livestream of the mass can be viewed at www.youtube.com/@StThomasAquinasChurchMadison/streams. The family also asks that all those wishing to attend, please refrain from wearing black and instead wear a color of their choosing to help celebrate Don's life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Don's name to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Red Cross (please go donate), UW School of Veterinary Medicine Companion Animal Fund, or St. Vincent de Paul free pharmacy. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfunealservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

5701 Odana Rd

608-274-1000

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LT
Lauren Trepanier
Other •
Don was an incredibly kind, welcoming presence in the pharmacy at UW Veterinary Care. He bent over backwards to help our canine and feline patients. He even drove to Milwaukee one night to pick up a unit of blood for a sick patient. We will all remember him and his wisdom has been passed on to generations of vet students 🧡
AP
Ann Pitz
Other •
Mary, Cindy and Brent....your husband and dad was one of a kind. He was always helping someone or laughing with someone else. His smile will live in my mind forever.....he is probably now enjoying a "Bergee" with the Richard.
JR
Jane Riehle
Other •
I always looked up to Donald and admired him. God bless. Love you all.
KS
Kim Sprecher
Other •
I'm so saddened to hear of Dons passing. I worked at the Vet School, Don was always kind and helpful in some challenging situations. We missed him when he retired. He will always be in my heart.
RS
Rebecca Stepien
Other •
I worked with Don for 15 years at the veterinary school - he was unfailingly helpful, knowledgeable, supportive and cheerful. What an impact he had! Faculty and trainees, students and all of our patients benefited so much from his wide knowledge, compassion, and interest, including his longstanding work to organize yearly blood drives. His impact was incredible and the world has lost one of its best citizens.
MG
Melanie Goble
Other •
I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing. He made a huge difference in my life while at the UW veterinary school. He stood up for me when an incident happened outside of my control and always made a point of being kind. When I would return to visit, he always remembered who I was. He will be remembered fondly by thousands of veterinarians. May your tears of sadness pass over smiles at the many memories you have of Don.

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