Donald Lee Preisler, Park Falls

Donald Lee Preisler died February 24th, 2025, at Aspirus Wausau hospital.  Cardiac arrest ended his lifetime adventures. He was born May 24, 1934, in Park Falls, WI.  The second of three sons, to Marie Wilhelmina (Marten) of Omega, WI and Joseph A. Preisler of Nemsova, Slovakia, who made a homestead in Park Falls for their family. Don often thanked his father for making the trip to America which allowed him to have a fantastic life.

Don graduated from Park Falls High School in 1952, participating in varsity sports all four years; He was an Eagle Scout, one of the first five in Park Falls. He was the Mayor of the Badger Boys State. He attended the University of Wisconsin Superior. He accepted a job at the Flambeau Paper Company in Park Falls. Don was a lifetime resident of Park Falls, except for his military duty at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he met and wed Wanda Marie Jones; they had two children together: Jane Antoinette and Jill Marie.

Don worked for the Park Falls paper mill for 43 years in sales as an Executive and National Sales Manager. This allowed him to travel and make lifelong friends across the USA and Canada. He was often requested to relocate to be closer to a major airport but refused due to his commitment to and love of Park Falls. He retired in 1996. Not for long, though, Don and Wanda started Eagle Pointe Lodging, which he was running until his death.

Don was actively involved with the community, notably the Park Falls Recreation Arena, Preisler Park, and donations to the Park Falls Blue Line Club Indoor Ice Rink. He always advocated for Park Falls, his hometown, and wanted the community to grow and prosper. He enjoyed conversations with the Mayor or City Administrator and discussing the possibilities for Park Falls. He always loved the Flambeau Rama Parades, having a convertible in the parade for a distinguished and honored guest to ride in. Don was an active member at Peace Lutheran Church. He was a member of the American Legion Post 182.  He served as a charter member of the Zor Flambeau Clowns, Freemason Lodge #300, 32nd Degree Mason of the Scottish Rite, a Noble of the Zor Temple Headwaters Shrine Club, a Board of Director at the Fred Smith Wisconsin Concrete Park, a member of the Chamber of Commerce Park Falls and a Chamber Ambassador. A County Board Member of Price County and the County Forestry Committee member. One of his accomplishments was bringing the Tuscobia Trailhead Park and Smith Lake County Park to Northern Price County area. He was also a director of The Friends of the Tuscobia Trail Inc.

Don loved to travel worldwide, and his many pictures support this love of his many adventures; his favorite was Zihuatanejo, Mexico, where he spent the winters with his family and friends. Many of Don’s adventures are in The Park Falls Herald and The Price County Review. 

Don is survived by his two daughters Jane A. Novitzke of Park Falls, WI and Jill M. Preisler (Thomas) Hersperger of Schofield, WI, four grandchildren: Thomas Chase (Ashley) Sellers of Chanhassen, MN, Michael Tyrel Sellers of Houston, TX, Nicholas Edward Hersperger of Schofield, WI and Elle Maire Hersperger of La Crosse, WI, and great grandchildren. Devoted partner, Debra Garbis of Butternut, WI and Debra’s loving children and grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at Peace Lutheran Church in Park Falls on Saturday, May 24, 2025, which would have been Don’s 91^st birthday, at 11:00am.  Rev. Samuel Morsching will officiate.

A visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 10:00am until the hour of the service.

Burial will follow at Nola Cemetery in Park Falls with military honors under the auspices of the Park Falls American Legion.

A celebration of life for the town he loved will follow the burial at his big white house. We will open the house up for all that are interested and have a picnic in the yard and gardens. All are welcome.

Birch Street Funeral Service is assisting the family.