Donald Everhart Obituary

Janesville, WI - Donald William Everhart, age 93, of Janesville, WI, passed away on September 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. "He's one of the good guys," is how others described him. He lived simply and gave freely.

Don was born on May 18, 1932, in Orion, WI, the son of Michael and Ida (Gray) Everhart. Along with his brother Frank and sister Cecile, Don was raised by his mother in Bloom City (father deceased). He left school after the 8th grade to work at a local auto shop. At age 18, he joined the U.S. Army, serving on the front lines of the Korean War before becoming a cook. Don then met Bette Guse on a blind date. They married on September 15, 1956, and made their home in Janesville, WI, where they raised six children and were married for 69 years.

Don was a hardworking man who wholeheartedly provided for his family. He worked at General Motors in Janesville, owned and managed rental properties, while also working for Roto Rooter and did cement work. He retired from GM after 39 years. He was also an active member and volunteer at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Janesville.

Don loved the outdoors. He enjoyed tending his garden, raising cattle and chickens, cutting wood, hunting, fishing, and mowing his lawn. He loved working on cars and helping family, friends, and the church with projects. He built their first home and could fix anything.

He lived with a spirit of generosity, giving to others-his vegetables and livestock, fish he caught, wood he chopped. He cared for his mother throughout her later years. He found joy in serving quietly and avoided praise for good deeds. He never bragged, never told a "biggest fish" story, and shied away from the spotlight. Content and grateful for what he had, Don lived with generosity, humility, subtle humor, and the joy of simple life. Ironically, he would wonder why people were so good to him.

His surviving family include: four sons-Larry (Cheryl) of Eau Claire, Dennis (Sheila) of Janesville, Brian (Jennifer) of Belleville, and Daniel (Jill) of Eau Claire; one daughter-Lori (Kevin) Phelps of Waunakee; 13 grandchildren-Shawn (Laura), Ryan (Catherine), Michael (Kate), Mathew (Meghan), Desiree (Aaron) Wood, Donisha (Bob) Rouse, Eric (Sara), Bradley (Cassie), Amanda (Jay) Harilal, Allison Sears (Derek), Benjamin, Alec Phelps, and Chezney Phelps; and 22 great-grandchildren-Nolan, Calvin, Abbey, Gunnar, Chase, Logan, Laney, Lucas, Gavin, Kenny, Elle, Everett, Taylor, Talan, Tucker, Tate, Tripp, Tarek, Dean, Jackson, Gabby, and Ayva. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Ray Lipinsky and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bette; their son, Dean; grandson, Chad; sister Cecile and brother-in-law Fay Cooper; brother Frank and sister-in-law Joyce Everhart; and sister-in-law Marilyn Lipinsky.

We love you and miss you Dad, Grandpa Fox, Don. You have left a lasting impact on everyone blessed to know you. You taught us to help others, to appreciate the simple things, to work hard, and to live as humble Christian servants. Your work here is done. Rest in peace. We are eternally grateful for you. As you would say at the end of every phone conversation... "Thanks for callin'.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 2, at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Janesville, with Rev. David Bergelin presiding. Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM until the time of service at the church. Lunch to follow. Urn burial will be at 1:30 at Oak Hill Cemetery, Janesville. Memorials may be made to Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church. Apfel Wolfe Funeral Home, Janesville, is assisting the family.

A special thank you to the St. Croix Hospice staff for your love and care.