Donald "Donnie" Ulness

Donald G. “Donnie” Ulness, age 80, of Mondovi passed away on Thursday, April 05 at Mayo Health Systems, Luther Campus. He was March 15, 1932 in rural Mondovi, a son of the late Sam and Cora (Anderson) Ulness. Don attended and graduated from Gilmanton High School. Following high school Don enlisted in the United States Navy. He proudly served on the USS Rochester. Following four years of service to our country, Don was honorably discharged. On May 17, 1958, Donald was united in marriage to Dorothy Zajicek at Naples Church. To this union three sons were born. Dorothy preceded Don in death on November 10, 2011. After his discharge from the Navy, Don worked at Minneapolis Moline. It was while working at Minneapolis Moline, he met his future wife, Dorothy. Don and his dad worked together as cement finishers, working on bridges in the Minneapolis area. Don later began employment at Uniroyal Tire in Eau Claire, retiring when the plant closed. Don was a member of the Mondovi American Legion Post 154 and was an active member of the Buffalo River Masonic Lodge, No. 0252. He was also a devoted member of Central Lutheran Church in Mondovi. Don was enjoyed hunting and thoroughly loved to fish, especially with his family. Don and his wife enjoyed many memorable summers at their little “get away” place on the lake in Gordon, WI. Don’s family will remember him for his witty sense of humor, ability to tell a good story and was the consummate practical joker. Don had a deep love and devotion for his entire family that will last in their hearts forever. Don will be sadly missed by his three sons, Greg (Roxie) Ulness of Eleva, Jim (Kathy) Ulness and Bob Ulness both of Eau Claire; three grandchildren, Lindsay, Nathan and Christopher; three sisters, Lenore (George) Heinemann of Strum, Ruth (Floyd) Boeser of Minneapolis and Mary Salava of Strum; one sister in law, LuAnn (Merlin) Nygaard, of Hutchinson, MN and one brother in law, Bernard (Joyce) Zajicek of Silver Lake, MN; also by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Besides his parents and loving wife Dorothy, her brother, Schyler and two brothers in law Dick Salava and Walter Wright preceded Don in death Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 11 at 11:00 AM at Central Lutheran Church, Mondovi with Pastor Rolf Morck officiating. Enurnment along with full military honors will follow at Riverside Lutheran Cemetery. A memorial gathering will be held on Tuesday, April 10 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Poeschel-Talbot Funeral Home, Mondovi and again on Wednesday, one hour prior to the services at the church. Online memories or condolences to comfort Don’s family may be sent to www.talbotfuneralhomes.com