Donald J. Veselik Sr.

Donald J. Veselik, Sr., (88), passed away Monday, May 12, 2025, at his residence, with his wife, Rose Mary (Nee: Chvilicek), by his side, holding his hand, listening to polkas/waltzes, while she spoke to him of their life memories.

Don was born in Racine on September 2, 1936, son of the late Charles and Anna (Nee: Mueller) Veselik. Don attended St. Rita Elementary and later St. Catherine’s High School, where he was often caught reading automotive Magazines (secreted within his school text books) while in class. Don married his high school sweetheart, Rose Mary on August 30, 1958. Together they had six children.

Don worked at J.I. Case Co., Texaco Service Station, owned and operated Don’s Enco Service Station on NW corner of Hwy 20/31, Ladish Company, American Motors Corps. and was a driver for Good Will Industries. Don’s interests were anything automotive, Auctioneering, farming and fast pitch softball. Don enjoyed restoring and proudly showing his antique 1920’s FarmAll and McCormick-Deering tractors at the annual Racine County Fair and using his restored steel wheeled F12 at Plow Days.

Don, was a lifetime and active member of St. Rita Catholic Church, starting as an altar boy (age 10) and served as an usher for 60yrs. Don ran the high/low dice game at the annual Church festival. He also was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus and was a participating founding member to place and keep the Christmas Creche Nativity display on Monument Square.

Don is survived by his wife, Rose Mary of 67 years; children, Charles (Stacey), Andrew (Karen), Donald Jr. (Karen), Jane (Brian) Steinhoff, Kenneth (Suzanne); 17 grandchildren; Christopher O’Brien, Stephanie O’Brien, Michael (Heather) O’Brien, Thomas (Kelsey) O’Brien, Jessica (Jeremy) Ostrander, Charles Veselik, Ryan (Ashley) Veselik, Joseph (Beatrice) Veselik, Jacob (Madison) Veselik, Samantha (Carson) Veselik, Andrew Veselik, Anthony Steinhoff, Jennifer Steinhoff, Matthew Steinhoff, Aaron Steinhoff, Lucas (Allie Manka) Steinhoff, Vincent Veselik; 13 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, dear friends: Raymond (Kathy) Paradowski, Kirt (Stacey) Jobe. And a special thanks to the two little rays of sunshine: Nora and Lilly, who brought a smile and joy to Don and Rose. In addition to his parent’s (Charles and Anna), his parent’s in law: Vincent and Agnes (nee: Kupka) Chvilicek, he was preceded in death by his daughter: Agnes M. Finfrock, a grandson: Adam Veselik; his brother: Charles (Judith), sisters: Rita (Wilbur) Buchholz and twin sister, Dorothy (George) Eftemoff.

A very special heartfelt thank you to our daughter, Jane Steinhoff (and her family) for her dedicated, compassionate personal healthcare and advocacy for the past five years.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Don’s life will be held at 1:00 pm, Wednesday May 21, 2025, at St. Rita Catholic Church, 4339 Douglas Avenue with Rev. Thomas Vathappallil officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy.32. Relatives and friends are welcome to meet with the family for Visitation, Wednesday at 12:00 pm until time of Mass at the church.