Don graduated from St. John Nepomuk Grade School, then attended St. Francis de Sales Seminary before graduating from St. Catherine’s High School. He went on to study speech and drama at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. During the Korean War, Don served in the United States Army as 2nd Lieutenant while stationed in Germany.Various career paths were taken through the years. Don worked for Rogan Shoes before opening his own shoe business, Key Shoe Outlets, with stores located in downtown Racine and South Bend, IN. He also was the manager of Hotel Racine on Monument Square, then served again as manager years later when it was converted to the Racine Motor Inn. Don served as administrator of St. Monica’s Senior Citizen Home. He also enjoyed his time as a radio broadcaster at WISC (Madison), WRAC and WRJN in Racine. Sales became his focus when he worked in advertising for National Merchandising, in auto sales (co-owner) at Belle Auto Mart, and then as a realtor and mortgage loan officer in Illinois.
Don served as President of the Racine Businessmen’s Association, Vice-President of the Racine Art Association, and Racine Crusade Chairman for the American Cancer Society, as well as many other art and business associations. Don’s love for the stage was highlighted as he performed in nearly forty productions with the Racine Theatre Guild. He also was an award-winning artist (watercolor and oil paintings) showing work at Wustum Art Museum and throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Arizona at various art shows and museums.
Don enjoyed spending time with his friends during their weekly handball games at the YMCA, riverboating down the Mississippi River, and playing with the bridge club. An avid fisherman, Don spent many weekends aboard his boat on Lake Michigan and throughout Wisconsin. He retired to Sun Lakes, AZ, where he volunteered as a local cable news anchor for SLN-TV. He also enjoyed traveling with friends and spent many nights dancing with the ladies!
Of course, his favorite volunteer position was serving as Assistant Coach to the Green Bay Packers every week from the comfort of his living room. They rarely listened…especially during the 1970s.
Survivors include his children, Donald (Maureen) Kirt Jr., Kara (Jeff) Wunderle; his grandchildren, Nicole Kirt, Alex Kirt, Sam Wunderle, Madeline Wunderle; his mother, Mabel Kirt; sisters and brother, Nancy (Glenn) Pfeffer, Dennis (Diane) Kirt, Laurine (Paul) Gedemer; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Kirt; former wives, Marilyn (Nee: Duffy), and Sue (Nee: Giovannoni).
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 5, 2012, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Sean Granger officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Saturday at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m.
A very special thank you to the caregivers at Oak Ridge for their loving and compassionate care given to Donald for the last five years.
MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888
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