Donald “Deke” Flietner, 90, of Phillips, WI, passed away on January 12, 2024. Deke was born on July 17, 1933, in Phillips, to August and Mary (Schmidt) Flietner.
After graduating Phillips High School with the class of 1952, he worked in Milwaukee at Briggs & Straton for 3 years. He was drafted into the United States Army and served time in Korea, before returning to work in Milwaukee. He retired from Briggs & Straton in 1982, moving home to Phillips. Deke built his own log home. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, the VFW Post 5778, and he also helped with the Price County Antique Association and volunteered the Camp American Legion in Lake Tomahawk. He also helped with trail maintenance and other odd jobs around the Highground Veteran Memorial Park the American Legion Post 122. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, or just being out in the woods.
He is survived by niece, Donna Powers of Georgia; nephews, Elliot and Bill Flientner of Phillips; sister-in-law, Marilyn Flietner; friends, Margaret “Maggie” Jagodzinski of Illinois, and Steven Janacek of Phillips; and other loved ones and friends.
Deke is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Archie, William, Franklin, Alice Powers, Elaine Hancock, Wayne, Eddie, and Dean.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at St. John Lutheran Church, 120 Forest Ave, Phillips, WI, 54555, with Pastor Dean Arbs officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Lakeside I Cemetery, Phillips, in the spring.
A graveside Service will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Lakeside I Cemetery, County Road H, Phillips, WI, 54555. Military Honors will be conducted by VFW 5778. Heindl-Nimsgern Funeral Home is assisting the family.
