Donald Belonga

Donald Edward Belonga, 86, of Peshtigo, WI, passed away unexpectedly in Davenport, FL on Monday, November 11, 2024. He was born May 10, 1938 in Menominee, MI, the son of Jack Jopek and Howard and Jeanne (Sutherland) Belonga. Following his graduation from Peshtigo High School in 1956, he served in the US Navy aboard the USS Keppler stationed out of Newport, RI until honorably discharged in 1958. On March 21, 1959 Don married his high school sweetheart, Carol (Bundy), and they were happily united for 65 years. In December of 1960.

Don began his employment at the Marinette County Sheriff's Department as a dispatcher/deputy sheriff. After 32 years he finished his career as Captain of the Sheriff’s Department. Following one day of retirement, he joined Westlund Bus Lines as a travel coordinator for eight years. He later returned to the Marinette County Sheriff’s Department for one year to serve as an interim dispatch supervisor at the new law enforcement center. Over the years, Don also worked part time for Silver Streak, New Horizons Travel and White Front Garage.

Don especially loved spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, traveling, reading, casino runs, and watching the Green Bay Packers. His favorite new found hobby was making diamond willow walking sticks and gifting them to family, friends and total strangers. Don was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, served on the church council and was a member of the men’s group. In earlier years, he was a youth group leader at Salem Lutheran Church and a Little League coach.

Don will be deeply missed by his wife, Carol; 3 children, Randy (Leslie) Belonga of Eau Claire, Bruce “Nuco” Belonga of Menominee, Dee (Dave) Morin of Peshtigo; 6 grandchildren, Dane (Carly) Belonga, Kali Belonga, Lexie Belonga (Brodrick Johnson), Hanna Belonga (David Junak), Karissa (Stefan) Kodi, Kelsey (Paul) Mellgren; 3 great-grandchildren, Jayna, Loui, Amara; sister, Brenda (Mike) Massio; sister-in-law, Yvonne Belonga; nieces, Melissa (Chris) Horn, Heather (Jason) Gordon; half sisters, Marianne (Jay) Scanlan, Maggie McClellen, Kathi Jopek; special church family, Pastor David, Karen, Emma, Braeden, Colin, and Kayla Murphy. Preceding Don in death were his parents and a brother, Richard Belonga.

Visitation will be held Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 331 Pine St. Peshtigo from 10am until time of service at 1pm. Pastor David Murphy will be officiating. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in Peshtigo at a later date.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established.

Berth and Rosenthal Funeral Home is assisting the family.