Donald Adolph Castonia

Donald A Castonia, age 87, died Thursday July 13, 2023.  He was born December 24, 1935, in the Town of Pound, Marinette County to Adolph and Clara (LeMere) Castonia.

He graduated from Coleman High School and earned both undergraduate and post graduate degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. 

He married Mary Wankey in 1973.  She brought to the marriage her son Randy, and they were later blessed with the surprise of Ryan after 7 years of marriage.  In Don’s eyes, they were both his sons and treated them so.  She preceded him in death in 2014.

Don was employed by the Appleton Post Crescent for many years as a reporter until his retirement in 1998.  He taught at various times in a part time capacity at the UW Oshkosh and UW Fox Valley.  After retirement, he continued to give of himself substitute teaching in both the Kaukauna and Kimberly school districts.  He was a talented carpenter, making several pieces of furniture in his home.  He continued to share this skill for the many years that he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity.  He was dedicated to his parish, St Bernard’s, and gave his time as an usher.

He is survived by his sister Cleo Fannin, sons Randy (Carol) Wolfgram and Ryan (Sarah) Castonia; grandchildren Maddy(Garrett) Arthur, Ross Wolfgram and fiancé Tawnii Thompson, Anna and Aidan Castonia, and great grandson Hudson.  He was preceded in death, in addition to his parents and wife, by sisters and brother-in-laws Joyce(Robert) Milquet, Clymine(Elmer) Nesser, Levern(Jack) Bolton, and brother-in-law Milton Fannin, and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will take place Saturday July 22, 2023 at Wichmann Fargo Funeral Home at 537 N Superior St Appleton, WI.  Visitation will be from 11-1, with the service to follow at 1pm. 

We would like to thank Ascension St Elizabeth Hospital Cancer Center for their care of our father.  Thank you to Melissa CNA and Christina RN at Moments Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, we ask for donations to Habitat for Humanity Fox Cities.