Donald Traczyk

HURLEY, Wis. - Donald Traczyk, 86, of Hurley, passed away on Aug. 24, 2023, at Aspirus Ironwood Hospital after a three-year battle with three types of cancer.

Don was born on Oct. 26, 1936, to Joseph and Mary (Renaiwicz) Traczyk of Hurley, and graduated from J.E. Murphy School in Hurley in 1956. Shortly after school, on May 16, 1959, he married LaVerne Hakala of Hurley.

Early in their marriage they lived in Kenosha, where Don worked at American Brass. They moved back to the Hurley and Ironwood area a few years later, and Don started working at the White Pine Mine.

Don left the mine after several years due to LaVerne being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. He took a job at the Hurley school as a janitor, bringing him closer to home to care for her. Even after she passed, he worked at the school until he retired.

Don was a wonderful husband and caregiver to his wife and a great father to his children, Danny and Donna.

He loved to fish and occasionally go bird and deer hunting and was an avid fan of going to the Brite Spot in Hurley for lottery tickets in his later years.

Donald liked going to the Bank Club and Chub, and Sandy's to socialize with friends and relatives.

He was predeceased by his wife, LaVerne; son, Daniel; sisters, Dorothy and Clara; brothers, John, Joe, Leo, Frank, Stanley, and Eddie; and granddaughter, Christy Kessler.

Don is survived by his daughter, Donna (Dan) Kessler of White Pine, Michigan; his grandson, Danny (Courtney) Kessler, and their children Isabella, Graison, Lily and Garrett of Ishpeming, Michigan. He is further survived by special nephew, Dan Walowinski and his sons, Dan Jr., Wes and Jesse; special nephew, Bobby Traczyk; and special friend, Bill Heikkinen.

A service of remembrance will be held at Saint Mary's church in Hurley on Sept. 9, at 11 a.m. with a visitation to begin one hour prior to service.

Following the service at the Saint Mary's cemetery in Hurley, burial will occur.

The family has chosen McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home of Ironwood to honor Don's legacy of life. You can leave condolences or a tribute at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.