Donald A Anibas
Donald Anton Anibas, 73, of Durand, WI passed away peacefully Sept. 14, 2023.
Don was born on December 10, 1949, in Durand, WI to Anton and Annabel (Wolf) Anibas. He completed the family joining two older sisters, Lorena and Dorothy, at home on the farm where he lived until two short years ago.
After attending elementary school in Lima and high school in Durand (class of 1968) Don eventually took over the family farm which included dairy cows, young stock, pigs, and chickens. As the years passed, he transitioned to raising livestock and cash crops and though he officially retired a number of years ago, he remained a farmer at heart.
A devoted sportsman, Don enjoyed hunting and all that went with it, including live game feeds at the Durand Sportsman’s Club where he was a long-time member. At these events he would purchase numerous raffle tickets and seemingly always go home a winner!
He didn’t have to go far to hunt deer, turkey, bear, coyote, and other game--they were all out his back door. Occasionally, he would venture a bit further. Hunting trips to Montana, Idaho and New Mexico were made in the company of his brother-in-law, Joe, on a couple of occasions and other times with close friends. While all these hunting experiences were certainly memorable, most notable may be the trip that required multiple days on horseback to bring home a trophy elk.
Don had a variety of others interests as well including cars, motorcycles, snowmobiles, football, trap shooting and watching old Westerns. He found great pleasure in spending time with friends often lending a hand to their various projects such as making maple syrup. He spent many hours admiring the various wildlife that wandered through his fields and even more cruising the country roads in his bright red truck.
Don, a brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, will forever be remembered and loved for his strong, quiet presence and sense of humor as well as his reverence for the land and people that surrounded him.
Don was preceded in death by his parents Anton and Annabel, nephew Stephen Pertz and brother-in-law Jerome Hungerford.
He is survived by two sisters: Lorena Hungerford of Alma, WI, Dorothy Pertz and husband Joe of Stillwater, MN; seven nieces and nephews: Chris Hungerford, Denise Hungerford, Kevin Hungerford and wife Trinity, Theresa (Pertz) Mertz and husband Mike, Eric Pertz, Andrew Pertz and wife Markell, Juli (Pertz) Ekren and husband Jeremy; 12 great nieces and nephews; cousins and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Meanwhile, watch an episode of Gunsmoke, catch a game, have a good meal (include dessert) or take a drive; smile and think of Don.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.