"I last saw Don in October. We met in college and became close friends. I remember the nights staying at his mothers, listening to music, playing guitar, shooting pidgeons, and trying to convince him not to shoot robins. For some reason Don hated robins at that point in his life. In the summer of 1970, he and I tripped across Canada for 4 weeks in his 2 seater GT6 Triumph. We left on an overnight whim, packed a hundred bucks each and disappeared with no time frame for return. Camping on the Bow River, eating cold Campbells soup and a little Crown Royal here and there was the good life. I will never forget that trip and nether had he. Later Don honored me to be Best man at my wedding. Don went to a trade school for musical repair. He fixed my guitar. He enjoyed playing guitar and we spent hours trying to master playing it. He would never sing though, just play Don loved the music of Bob Dylan, Gordan Lightfoot, Joni Mitchel. After he went to nursing school for radiology, we just grew apart. He married and I married and we just lost track of each other until just lately. I am so sorry for your loss Mary. Even though Don and I drifted apart I thought of him often. I am honored he found me last October. I am saddened I missed an opportunity to further renew our friendship again. If there is a message in all this, Don you have taught me to cherish your friends when you can. They can go away in a heart beat. I will see you some day in another world. God bless you Don. You newly found friend again, Steve Smith"
In loving memory of
Donald W. Isaacson
May 4, 1951 - January 15, 2017
MCFARLAND - Donald W. Isaacson passed away at home on Sunday, January 15, 2017. He was 65 years old and had been retired for two years. Don lived with and fought angiosarcoma, a rare form of cancer for six years until his death. He was very appreciative of the care he received at UW Carbone Cancer Center and UW Hospital and Clinics and also the respectful and compassionate care he received from Dr. Howard Bailey, Dr. Kevin Kozac, and Dr. Siobhan Wilson.
Don grew up in Osceola, Wisconsin. His family included parents Harris and Frances Isaacson and brothers Dean and Larry Isaacson. The family moved to the country when Don was 4 years old. He grew up wandering the woods around their home.
Don worked for 28 years at UW Hospital Clinics as a Diagnostic Radiologist Technician. He took pride in his work and was dedicated to providing patients with the best care he could offer. He particularly loved working in the OR with the surgeons and nursing staff. He never got over the miracles he saw performed there throughout his career.
Don was talented at home and car repair. He loved music, the Pittsburgh Penguins, driving his BMW M Coupe, chocolate malts, politically incorrect jokes, walking the dogs at the dog park, watching old shows on TV and conversation. One of his friends once told him he could talk a squirrel out of a tree.
Don will be sorely missed by his wife Mary; son, Donald H. Isaacson; and daughter, Megan (Tyler) Davis. He is also survived by his two brothers, Dean (Sue) and Larry Isaacson; aunts, Grace and Theoline Isaacson; uncle, Bob Bartz, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Burial and celebration of life will take place in Osceola, Wisconsin on Thursday, May 4, 2017. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Don's memory to UW Carbone Cancer Center-Sarcoma Research, Madison, Wisconsin.
A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles. - Christopher Reeve
Please share your memories of Don.
Cress Funeral Service
5801 Highway 51
McFarland, WI 53558
(608) 838-0655
Tributes
"What can I say? Don was a best friend and we spent 40+ years always close. Our relationship cemented as roommates in college and grew from there. I remember Don and I spent hrs working on a VW dune buggy in a cold shed with a tiny heater and a trouble light. The plan was for a trip to Jackson Hole for a ski trip. The trip never happened as we quickly realized the car had no heater/defrost! The time however, bonded us together forever. I cannot convey how much he will be missed. His faith will take him into salvation and I know we'll meet up again. Mary: I feel your loss and all the great years you and Don had together. We'll treasure the memories. Glyn and Cindy Thorman. "
"I was so sad to hear the news of Don passing. It's been a while since I have been at the dog park & have wondered how he was doing. I will always remember the many loops around the park we made & Don always had a good story to share or advice to give -- about home repairs, cars or raising kids. Our thoughts are with his family - may you find peace & love in your days ahead. Thank you Don for your friendship & for always giving Lily a belly rub. Jody & Steve Kilpatrick "
"I'm very sorry for your family's loss. May you find some comfort in the words at Isaiah 25:8. There we read of a time when death will be swallowed up forever."
"Love sent from Pennsylvania! Donny was my cousin. I recall a time when he worked with my father on the family farm in Wisconsin. He was a great guy. Blessings, Susanne Bartz Gillespie, Bill, and sons Robert and Thomas"
"Where do I begin, dear dog park friend ? I always so enjoyed our walks and talks ( even if we did have to walk clockwise per your habit ! ). But on occasion, he would reverse his path for me. We'd have heavy duty talks but mostly light hearted talks. His sense of humor I will miss deeply along with all his humorous t-shirts he'd wear in the warm weather! For all he was going through, he would always make me and whomever was walking with us, laugh. He did love his puppies and his family. Mary, I will see you with the boys. Ann Dee"
"Larry, may God's love surround you and bring you peace. Brad & Linda "
"We are so sorry for your loss. We will always remember his mischievous smile, his quick wit, and his dry sense of humor! With Love, Terri and John Kosobucki"
"I will miss our chats in the backyard, your face when Gwen would run up and give you a hug, having a handyman next door to ask house questions, the rumble of the Coupe as soon as the weather was nice, and your dark sense of humor about everything. Rest now, my friend, you are already missed. Love, Amanda, Karl, Logan, Gwen, and Matthew"