Donald Joseph Svacina, age 81, of Rice Lake, WI, died Monday, July 28, 2025 in Chetek, WI. He was born on July 14, 1944 in Rice Lake to Reynold and Florence (Herricks) Svacina.

Don graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1962. He was married to Janet “Jan” Haus on August 15, 1970 in Rice Lake. Don was a dairy farmer, running the farm passed down from his parents in the Town of Doyle for many years. He drove school bus, worked for Rice Lake Farmers Union selling seed, feed and fertilizer. He was very active in the Golden K, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and delivered Meals on Wheels. He was proud of his produce stand selling pumpkins, potatoes, sweet corn, and maple syrup.

Don enjoyed hunting and fishing in Canada and ice fishing, was very caring, gave of his time, enjoyed volunteering, took great care of his lawn and garden, loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren, he loved his school bus kids and was very social with others. Enjoyed watching the Milwaukee Brewers and the Green Bay Packers.

He is survived by his wife, Jan Svacina; 3 children, Jenny (Sean) Berg, Kris Magnus (Aaron Svicek) and Scott (Leslie) Svacina; 9 grandchildren, Alisha, Beth (Zach), Mike (Maija), Sarah, Emma, Brooke (Josh), Zach, Cody and Cady; 3 great grandchildren, Easton, Wade and Haisley; a brother, David (Darlene) Svacina; 2 sisters-in-law, Karen Svacina and Darlene Svacina; many nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Reynold and Florence Svacina; brothers, Leigh Svacina and Dale Svacina.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10AM Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Dobie, WI, Father Phil Juza officiating, with interment in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 8 from 4-6PM at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake and for one hour prior to the Funeral Service at the Church.

Last Update: Jul 29, 2025 7:24 am CDT