"Donnie down the river!" his little sisters would say, and it became his mantra for life. Canoes, whitewater kayaks or in his fishing boat, Don loved being on the river! He was always an avid outdoorsman hunting and fishing. In his younger years he would map out 2 week Canadian wilderness treks taking one of his brothers or a friend along. He even rigged a canoe with sailing gear and sailed Lake Winnebago on hot summer days. Don was the oldest of 7 siblings growing up in Little Chute and began working at a gas station on through high school and college. He graduated from St. Norbert College in 1961, earning a degree in Business Administration. Don began his career with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., until hired by Northwestern Mutual as a Field examiner, traveling across the country conducting agency visits and doing special assignments until promoted to the Compensation Committee in the area of finance. It was here that he began writing articles about "methods of evaluating and analyzing the financial condition of a General Agency" which was published in Bests Review Insurance Journal in 1970. Don later went into the banking industry joining Valley Bank and was President of the Fox Cities Chapter of the American Institute of Banking from 1976 – 1978. After retirement Don enjoyed using his financial knowledge to help the non-profit ARC for many years where he was much appreciated.

Don cherished his family and faith, making special oatmeal and pancakes for daughter PJ "because you need something that will stick to your ribs" and proudly wearing his "PJ's Dad" shirt to her games! Don and PJ canoed rapids, cross country skied and she learned birdcalls from him. Don was active in the Catholic Church reading at mass and teaching CCD. PJ went on a TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) and Don surprised her by being on the team.

Don could fix anything, but was most known as an accomplished woodworker, making everything from furniture and loft beds for PJ's dorm room to doll furniture, toy chest and garden tool holder for grandchildren Maddie and Drew. They remember his kindness, long talks and his great laugh!

In 1990 Don married his soul mate Judy and they enjoyed dancing, hiking, canoeing on the lake at the cottage and the night sky up north Three Lakes with family. Don embraced Judy's son Jim and his 3 children as his own, having a deep influence on them. They recall his hugs and campfires at night, fishing and holiday get togethers and more hugs.

Don passed away peacefully at home on Monday, September 1, 2025 with Judy by his side. Don is survived by his wife of 35 years, Judy; his daughter, PJ Rushing and her children Maddie and Drew Braam; Jim Ernst and Jamie, Jillian and Brady (Alyssa) Ernst; his siblings, Marilyn Ebben, Kathi (Jim) Peterson, Ken (Pat) Vanden Burgt, Mary (Jim) Pleuss and Ann (Ruben) Wittman, Leon and Darlene Krake, Dick and Betsy Mech and many nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Marjorie Vanden Burgt; Judy's parents, Kenneth and Frieda Krake; sisters, Clarissa and Betty Mae; brother, Wilbur Vanden Burgt and brother-in-law, Jim Ebben.

Judy and the family want to give special recognition to Theda Care Hospice and the team of Angels who stepped in to help Don in his final days so Judy could keep him home and comfortable. We are eternally grateful for their care and compassion!