Donald Hawn Churchill, 91 of Elmwood, passed away on Friday, August 11, 2017. Donald will be eternally remembered for his love and commitment to the Rock Elm United Methodist Church.

Donald was born October 5, 1925 in Rock Elm, Wisconsin, to Harold and Lois (Hawn) Churchill.  He grew up on the family farm in Rock Elm and later graduated from Elmwood High School.  Donald married Eileen Bradshaw on September 9, 1950. They began their married life farming with Donald’s father, Harold, and brother, George. In 1956 Donald and Eileen moved to Minneapolis for work and in 1959 returned to Rock Elm to raise a family of five sons on a dairy farm. Don and Eileen remained dedicated to dairy farming in spite of the great storm of 1980 when they lost their barn and many livestock. In 1993, Donald retired, sold the farm, and moved to Menomonie. He soon became “unretired,” working part time for various employers and finally working full time for Genesis Industries from 1999 to 2005. Donald remained in Menomonie until moving to Welcome Home Assisted Living in Elmwood in 2016.

Donald found enjoyment in the simple things of life: raising children, cherishing grandchildren, socializing with family and friends, eating his fresh garden produce, taking family vacations, and carrying on his father Harold’s commitment of support for the church Ice Cream Socials. Most importantly, he was strong in his faith and ready for his heavenly home.

Donald is survived by his five sons, Mark (Jeanne Skoog) of Columbia Heights, MN; Craig of Phoenix, AZ; Jay (Ruth) of Houston, TX; Bradley (Cara) of Hager City, WI; Dell (Missy) of Elmwood, WI; nine grandchildren, Steven, John, Derek, Brandon, Nicholas, Corey, April, Jill, and Erika; great grandchild Topanga Churchill, brother George Churchill of Elmwood, and many nephews, nieces and cousins.

Preceding him in death were his wife Eileen, sisters Jean Hatch and Grace Thiele.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 am Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at the United Methodist Church in Rock Elm, rural Elmwood. Reverend Mike Weaver will officiate. Burial will be in the Popular Hill Cemetery in Rock Elm. Lunch will be served at Welcome Home Assisted Living in Elmwood.

Visitation will be 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm Monday at the Welcome Home Assisted Living in Elmwood and one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be accepted in Donald’s name to his beloved Rock Elm United Methodist Church.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Elmwood, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Rose Brunner August 15, 2017, at 7:18am

   I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I have such very fond memories of growing up and playing at your house. You all were such good neighbors. I will always remember him calling me Rosalee!!! God bless you all. Got to work this morning and thought I would check what time services were tonight and I realized I missed them. I am so sorry. I would have loved to see you all.

2. Roger and Sheila Pelzel August 14, 2017, at 4:38pm

   Sending our condolences to the Churchill family. Donald will be sadly missed by many. He was definitely a fixture at the ice cream socials! Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you with the assurance that he is now walking streets of gold, free from the restrictions of this earth. May God bless you all!

3. Dave and Jackie (Ottman) Bates August 14, 2017, at 11:00am

   Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

4. Mary Hartung August 14, 2017, at 10:28am

   My prayers are with you all during your time of sorrow. Donald and Elieen were such great neighbors to us. I have fond memories of playing games and riding bikes back and forth to the Churchill house. Donald always had time to visit and always a smile to share. My sympathies to you all.
   Mary Hartung

5. Ron & Denise Holcomb August 13, 2017, at 7:08pm

   Sending our condolences to the Churchill family! Y'all are in our our thoughts and prayers! Hugs!

6. Karla Clare August 13, 2017, at 11:26am

   So very sorry to hear about Don't, my prayers are with the family.

7. Charles DeMaris August 13, 2017, at 7:52am

   Donald was a gentleman in the best sense. He spoke of the assurance of his faith and eternal life. Bless the family.

8. Russ and Mandy Phillips August 12, 2017, at 10:39pm

   Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Don's family.... We are so very sorry for your loss.He was a wonderful man that will forever remain in your hearts.

9. Debra Raasch August 12, 2017, at 9:16pm

   I am sure Donald is with the other saints in heaven. He showed his love for God in the way he lived: with much love and joy for those he came in contact with. I will miss his kind voice and gentle presence. You have my sympathy during this time of loss.

10. Joe and Darcy Kohlman August 12, 2017, at 8:57pm

    Our sincere condolences for your loss.

11. Ardeth & Kenneth Claflin August 12, 2017, at 5:51pm

    our Prayers are with you the Churchill Family Ken & Ardeth

12. Jerry and Joyce Kendall August 12, 2017, at 5:06pm

    Don will be greatly missed at the Rock Elm Church both at services and at ice cream socials.

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