SGM DONALD D. McCORMICK
SGM DONALD D. McCORMICK
SGM Donald D. McCormick, USA (Ret’d), 88, of Fort Wayne, IN, and formerly of Black River Falls, WI, passed away Monday, Nov. 27, 2023.
He was born in Black River Falls April 18, 1935, the son of (the late) Raymond and Marcella (Murray) McCormick. Donald, or “Donnie” as he was affectionately known to family and friends, graduated from Black River Falls High School with the Class of 1953. He was an avid sportsman and athlete; he participated in basketball, football and track, and in his senior year, was named “Outstanding Athlete for 1953.” Donald went on to become a Park Ranger with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, retiring in 1990. He also had a proud military career, serving 42 years with the Wisconsin Army National Guard, from 1952-1995. While serving with the Guard, he was mobilized to Ft. Lewis, WA, in support of the Berlin Crisis. In 1986, he participated in REFORGER in Germany. He was a past member of the American Legion Miles-Hagen Post No. 200 in Black River Falls, where he served as Past-Commander and was a current member of Neil S. Lewison Post No. 439 in Melrose, WI. Donald also served as a member of the Black River Falls Fire Department for eight years. He was a member of the Black River Falls Lions Club and enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling with a group of very special friends. In Fort Wayne, he was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church.
Donald is survived by Margaret, his wife of 42-years of Fort Wayne, and his son, Patrick McCormick of Black River Falls; stepchildren James (Suzanne) Zschernitz of Fort Wayne; Jason (Kathy) Zschernitz of Adams, WI, Jennifer Zschernitz of Cottage Grove, WI, and Janet (Dave) Johnson of McFarland, WI; step-grandchildren Kathleen Zschernitz of Columbus, GA, Hailey (Michael) McBryde of Sun Prairie, WI, Joshua Zschernitz and Rose Zschernitz, both of Bluffton, IN, Amanda (James) Hostetter of Minneapolis, MN, Audrey Johnson of Dalton, GA, Eric Johnson of McFarland, WI; and step-great-grandchildren Casper, Iris and Lily. He is also survived by nieces and nephews and numerous cousins.
In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by his sister, Janet Brill Dusheck, and nephews Steve, Brian and Jim Brill.
Private family services were held in Fort Wayne, with arrangements through Divine Mercy Funeral Home. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Kevin Catholic Church in Melrose, WI, Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, at 11 a.m. with visitation an hour prior to the mass. Burial and military honors to follow in St. Malachy’s Catholic Cemetery, rural Black River Falls.
The family prefers memorial masses or donations to St. Jude Catholic School, 2130 Pemberton Dr., Fort Wayne IN, 46805.
Torgerson’s Funeral Service of Black River Falls is assisting with arrangements, 715-284-4321.