Donald Gene Orne

Donald G. Orne, age 82, of Nelson, WI passed away in the early morning hours of Tuesday, October 25, 2022 with his beloved wife, Joanne, at his bedside at the American Lutheran Home in Mondovi, WI.

Donald was born to Clarence and Julia (Evans) Orne on June 14, 1940.  He was born at home in Rose Valley, rural Alma.  He was only 2 weeks old when they moved to Stockholm, WI. After living there for a couple of years, they moved to rural Nelson, where they resided for another couple of years. Then in 1945, they bought Julia's home farm and moved to Church Valley in Nelson. Donald graduated from Durand High School in 1958.

On October 7, 1961, he married Joanne Menting at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Alma, WI.  They bought a house in Urne, where they resided for 19 years. Throughout those years, he constructed an addition on the house and added a full basement. It was also at this home where Donald and Joanne welcomed their 4 children; Barry Joseph; Brenda Joanne; Barbara Ann; and Brian Donald. 

Donald was a construction laborer with Market & Johnson for many years and when his dad wanted to retire, he decided to take the farm over.  Rather than moving into his childhood home, he drew up the blueprints for, and built, a house on the property so his parents could remain in their home.  He and his family moved to the farm in 1980. The family helped on the farm, while he continued to work in construction for a few more years.

Donald and Joanne kept and milked cows until they were sold in 2002. He then had more time to do things that he enjoyed.  He liked reading, trains, puzzles, history, and maps. He and Joanne went on many bus trips over the later years and saw most of the United States. Branson was one of their favorite places to visit, as they enjoyed Country Music. He liked to collect magnets from each of the places that they visited as well. He also loved his kids, Grandkids, and Great Grandkids with his whole heart and loved spending time with them.  He was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus (Charter Member).

He is survived by his wife, Joanne; children - Barry Orne (wife Janice), Brenda Sobottka (husband Terry), Barb Klatt (husband Tim), and Brian Orne; 6 Grandchildren - Michelle (Cory) Knutson, Tonya (Josh) Lisowski, Taylor Sobottka, Megan Klatt, Kylene Orne, and Jordan Klatt; Seven Great Grandchildren - Kayden, Carter, Liam, Ryker, Grace, Wyatt, and Jasper; Brothers-In-Law - Junior (Veronica) Menting, Darrell (Christine) Menting, and Roger (Mary Lou) Menting.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 31, 2022 at 11:00 AM at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Alma with Father Arul Doss as celebrant.  Burial will be at Nelson Cemetery. 

A Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 30th, 2022 from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the Talbot Funeral Home Alma Chapel and again at the church on Monday, Oct. 31, 2022, from 10:00 AM until the hour of the Mass.

The family of Donald would like to take this opportunity to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire staff of the American Lutheran Communities in Mondovi for the exception care he received during the last few months.