Donald J. Hudson

Donald “Don” J. Hudson, 91, Suamico, died peacefully Sunday, December 29, 2024.  Don was born February 3, 1933 to Charles and Myrtle (Hardtke) Hudson on the Hardtke family farm in the Town of Oconto Falls.  He grew up in rural Oconto Falls and graduated from Oconto Falls High School with the class of 1952.  Following high school, he enlisted in the US Navy where he served on the USS-Des Moines during the Korean War.  Following his honorable discharge from the military, he moved to Milwaukee because his uncle knew a mason where Don would learn his lifetime trade.

On April 4, 1959 he married Patricia “Pat” L. Valentine at St. Joseph Church in Chase and they lived in the Green Bay area all of their married lives.  Don was self-employed as a mason for many years in the area until retiring in 2006. In their younger years, Don and Pat enjoyed boating, snowmobiling, skiing and playing cards with family and friends. Family was always extremely important to them.  They took great pride in their children and grandchildren and enjoyed attending their numerous events.  Don was also a prolific artist whose many paintings will allow him to live on forever in the homes and businesses of family and friends.  He always enjoyed a good game of golf and could usually be found playing at River Island Golf Clubs Senior League. He was still golfing occasionally at 90. Don was a longtime member of Peace Lutheran Church in Kunesh.

Don will be missed by his four children, Tom (Roni Disney) Hudson; Tim (Lisa) Hudson; Lynn (Randy) Oettinger; Leann (John) Duke; grandchildren, Rick DeMoulin (and family), Dain, Pierce and Jordyn Hudson, Jarrod, Jesse and Jonah Oettinger, Taylor and Autumn Arbour; great-granddaughter, Ashlyn Oettinger; sisters, Charlotte Micoley and Nancy Lange; brothers, Chuck Hudson and Bob Hudson. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews; Pat’s siblings, Barbara (Larry) Tilque and Rosalie (Jim Lieberton) Valentine; and many friends.

He will be reunited in Heaven with his parents, wife Pat who died in 2018, and two grandchildren, Samantha and Donnie Hudson, two siblings, Bud Hudson and Carol Habeck, along with many other family members and friends.

Family and friends are invited to gather after 10:00 AM Friday, January 10, 2025 until the time of service at 12 noon, all to be held at Peace Lutheran Church (1954 County Road U, Green Bay) with Pastor Stuart Dornfeld officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Anthony Cemetery, Oconto Falls.

In lieu of flowers and to honor Don’s love for art, memorial donations will go toward an art scholarship being established in his name for local art students.

Don and family are especially thankful to his amazing friends who helped get him out of the house and remain social. Your friendship meant so much more to him (and us) than we can ever express! Also, special thanks to Unity Hospice and St. Mary’s Hospital staff for the compassionate care they provided to Don and his family.