Obituary: Donald “Don” W. Pritzl

Donald “Don” W. Pritzl, age 80, of Brillion, passed away peacefully in the woods up north doing what he loved, checking the trail cameras and getting ready for deer hunting on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. 

Don was born February 23, 1944 in Green Bay, son of the late Leo & Jeanette (Schneider) Pritzl.  He was a graduate of Brillion High School, class of 1962.  Don married Sandra “Sandi” Schroeder on July 4, 1964 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Menasha. The couple just celebrated 60 years of marriage this past July.  Right out of high school, Don worked for a barber in Kewauskum where the couple first lived.  Then when they moved back to Brillion, he owned and operated a Barber Shoppe in Brillion for a number of years.  Don then went to work at the Brillion Iron Works as a Pattern Maker until his retirement.  Don and Sandi truly enjoyed spending time together and with their family.  They would venture up north to Fence together, and after retirement, traveled to Arkansas every February – April for fishing and relaxation with friends.  Don and Sandi had some really close friends throughout their entire lives, and Don often would text the “Lake Winnebago Friends” or talk to the “Arkansas Resort Friends.”  He truly cared about people.  Don could fix anything.  If there wasn’t a tool for it, he made it.  Don often said, “could you break something so I can fix it?” with a smile on his face.  He also enjoyed deer hunting and fishing with his family, and duck hunting with his black lab “Licker.”   But above all, Don was a family man. It didn’t matter what was happening, as long as the family was together, he was happy.  From hugs from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, to playing outside and watching their events, he loved every minute they were together.  

Don is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sandi of Brillion; their two sons and daughters-in-law: Tom (Cheryl) of Appleton and Robin (Nancy) of Little Suamico; grandchildren: Adam (Rachel), Lindsay (Ben) Logan, Kaitlyn, Christopher (Kathryn), Haley, and Taylor; great-grandchildren: Max, Ted, Dan, Cece, John, Paul, Agnes, and Winston; his siblings: Howard (Barb) of Reedsville and Jeanne (Ralph) Sprangers of Stillwater, OK; in-laws: James (Dori) Behnke of Brillion, Robert “Bob” (Barb) Schroeder of Two Rivers, Paul (Julie) Schroeder and Susan (Gary) Hoppe all of Manitowoc; good friends, Jim & Pat Dorn of Kewauskum; other relatives, and many friends.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Rayfield & La Verne Schroeder, sibling: William Pritzl and Nancy Behnke, and other relatives. 

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Brillion.  Officiating will be Father Jon Thorsen and Deacon Greg Van Thiel.  Burial will be at Holy Family Catholic Cemetery at a later date.  

The family will greet relatives and friends on Wednesday morning, November 27, 2024 at church from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.  

Online condolences may be made www.pielhop.com 

The Pielhop Funeral Homes of Brillion & Reedsville are assisting the family.