Donald LeRoy Fuller, age 93, of Altoona, Wisconsin, formerly of Birchwood, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Altoona, surrounded by his loving family and nursing staff.

Donald was born March 16, 1933, in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, to William and Betty (Muehe) Fuller. He graduated from high school and entered the United States Army, serving as a Military Police Officer during the Korean Conflict. After completing his four-year military term, he moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he married Joan Carlson and worked as a Chicago Police Officer for nine years. He later relocated with his family to Birchwood, Wisconsin, where he served as a Washburn County Sheriff’s Deputy for 14 years before being elected Sheriff of Washburn County in 1984, a position he held until his retirement in 1990.

Donald and his wife Joan enjoyed the following 30 years of their retirement traveling throughout the United States in their RV and spending time with friends, family and grandchildren. He also cherished his time being outdoors in the Birchwood area, where he loved fishing, campfires, deer hunting, and relaxing at his cabin on Nice Lake.

Donald took great joy in oil painting and had a unique passion for carefully crafting model trains and airplanes. Throughout his life, Donald quietly shaped the lives of those around him. He will be remembered for his steady, practical way of facing life’s challenges, his unmistakable sense of humor, and a kindness that was felt by all who knew him.

Donald is survived by his wife of 71 years, Joan Fuller; three daughters, Susan (Jay) Bohner of San Antonio, Texas, Dawn (John) Verkuilen of Cameron, Wisconsin, and Patricia (Gary) Wathke of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; five grandchildren, Brent, Brandon, Brittany, Meagan, and Garrett; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Betty Fuller; and two brothers, William Fuller and Claude Fuller. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Birchwood, Wisconsin, with Rev. Dan Tabor officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Birchwood, where full military rites will be held by the Birchwood American Legion Post.

Visitation is from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, at the church.The family extends a heartfelt thank you for the love, support, and compassion Donald received from the nurses and staff at St. Croix Hospice and Prairie Point in Altoona.

Last Update: Apr 13, 2026 9:17 am CDT