Donn R. Dresselhuys

It is with deep sadness and profound appreciation that we share the passing of Donn Dresselhuys, who died peacefully at his home on August 3, days short of his 95th birthday. Born August 12, 1930, in Aberdeen, South Dakota to parents Clarence Edward Dresselhuys and Mary Violet Croal Dresselhuys, as well as to four siblings Edward, George, Richard and Annrita. Brother Tom was born shortly afterward.

Donn led an incredible life and was an inspiration to his family and the many lives he touched; he was a pillar of love and support to all. A truly self-made man, he created numerous successful businesses while remaining committed to his community and his faith.

Dad lived his formative years in Aberdeen during the Great Depression and World War II. He attended Central High School in Aberdeen from 1944-48 where he played football and basketball and held several jobs to help contribute to the family coffers. Donn often recalled helping his mother at her handicraft store, loading ice onto trains traveling across country, and "reselling" newspapers and magazines to U.S. GIs traveling through Aberdeen on their way to and from training.

He began his studies at Northern State University in South Dakota before transferring to The University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he graduated in 1952. Donn loved Madison and was very proud of the fact that he paid his way through college by working a variety of jobs as well as singing in a dance band on Saturday nights.

Donn's professional career began at Erie Manufacturing in Milwaukee. He honed his sales skills until entrepreneurial ambitions took over. He co-founded Autotrol Corporation, an international manufacturer of proprietary water purifying controls, in the late 1950's while still working full time for Erie and grew it to be the largest company of its kind in the world. Donn was very proud of Autotrol, not only for the economic impact it made in Milwaukee, but also for the progressive opportunities it provided its employees, many of whom were women and minorities. Professionally, Donn was a member and President of the Water Quality Association and the Water & Wastewater Equipment Manufacturers Association.

Ever the entrepreneur, Donn continued developing product ideas and starting companies through the years, even filing patent applications for his latest venture well into his nineties.

As an active patron of the arts, he was a longtime Board Member and served as President of the Milwaukee Symphony. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of UPAF, The Milwaukee Art Museum and The Peninsula Music Festival.

Politics and history were also Donn's strong interests, and he loved discussing and debating worldwide events. His dry wit, ready laugh, and sonorous voice were superb and will certainly be missed. Many evenings were spent watching the sun set over Green Bay and discussing all manner of ideas and topics.

Donn was married for nearly 40 years to Laura Jonasson Dresselhuys before she passed in 2001. They have three children, Anne (Michael) Alix, Eric (Melissa) Dresselhuys and Christopher (Lisa) Dresselhuys. He spent many years later in his life with his partner Heather Waldorf.

Donn enjoyed the company of his seven grandchildren, Andrew, Caroline, Eleanor, Margaret, Audrey, Natalie and Bryn during many family gatherings at the beloved home he designed in Fish Creek, Wisconsin and where he lived from 1989 until his passing.

A service and celebration of his life will be held in Door County on September 20, 2025 at 10:00am at the Church of the Atonement, followed by a reception at Horseshoe Bay Country Club at Noon. A private family burial will be held at Blossomburg Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Door County Community Foundation (https://doorcountycommunityfoundation.org).

Casperson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Sister Bay, WI is assisting the Dresselhuys family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Donn may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.CaspersonFuneralHome.com.

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