Don "Sam" Notham, age 91, passed away on Sunday morning August 3, 2025. He fully enjoyed his time on earth.
Don was a loving family man, a custodian of nature, carpenter, outdoorsman, dog lover, a true do-it your selfer who found satisfaction in doing a job well. He lived his life by quietly leading by example, accomplishing goals and facing life's hardships by working diligently and thoughtfully on the task at hand.
Don, the son of Raymond and Matilda Notham, was born in Durand, WI in 1933. He graduated from Durand High School in 1951. He served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict from 1953-1955. Don was active in Veteran’s affairs after his military service, volunteering for leadership roles in The American Legion and VFW organizations in the 1960s and 70s.
He was a loving husband to Elaine (Krajnak) Notham. Together they raised 5 children (Judi, Ross, John, Jim and Gary) providing the love and patience to guide them each to adulthood. Don worked most of his career at Ladish Company in various roles. He served as Union Steward for the Mechanical Engineering Union for many years. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Ladish Employees Credit Union including a term as Chairman of the Board.
Don bought an old, abandoned 40 acre farm near Wild Rose, WI in 1988. These truly were Golden years for Don. Along with help from his sons and friends the farm was revitalized - the 19th century farmhouse and barn were restored; more than 20,000 trees were planted and 10 acres were set aside for Prairie restoration to return native Wisconsin flora and fauna to the land. Nothing brought him greater pleasure than spending the full day working on his land. At age 90, Don still occasionally mowed the trails and yard on the property on his tractor. Don was also a meticulous and creative carpenter building most of the furniture for his homes with lumber harvested from his land.
Don was blessed with many friends throughout his life - boyhood friends from Durand; the gang from Marl Lake, his card playing buddies, fellow veterans and of course throughout most of his life he had a dog that he was a faithful friend to.
Don would not want his family and friends to spend much time mourning his passing. Instead, drink a toast to him, enjoy being part of his legacy and take a walk in the woods or prairie and leave the land a better place when you depart.
Friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life for Don on Aug 22nd at 1 pm at Moose's Inn.
