Donald K. McRae
Donald “Don” Kevin McRae, 72, of Coral City, died Saturday, November 29, 2025, at his home.
Don was born May 23, 1953, in La Crosse, to Loren and Thea (Towner) McRae.He graduated from Whitehall Memorial High School in 1971. During and after high school, he worked as a meat cutter at the Whitehall Packing plant and subsequently as a meat cutter at Bakalars Sausage Company in La Crosse. He later owned and operated a dairy farm for many years. Don attended Western Wisconsin Technical College, 1988-1989, for welding on a scholarship from the Miller Brewing Company. His latest career change was to become a commercial truck driver which he continued doing until retiring from Korth Transfer in 2019. He was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church.
Those who knew Don know he was a true cowboy at heart. He discovered this love of horses as a young boy, spending time at Grandpa and Grandma Towner’s, riding long days on “Judy.” It’s a love he carried in his soul ever since. He owned many special horses throughout his adult life. He proudly mentored his niece, Alicia, when she found her love of horses.
Don truly loved spending time with his nieces and nephews, sharing his interests and nurturing theirs. He guided them in the woods for a safe, successful hunt and nurtured musical dreams with gifts of guitars. He was an avid Eddie Van Halen fan, so much so that he built and collected custom guitars in the Val Halen style. He followed their sports endeavors and made sure to make them feel valued and loved.
Don enjoyed talking and spending time with family and friends. You didn’t want to miss his story telling. They were always filled with colorful commentary that would leave you laughing for sure. Through the talking, he was also listening. Listening to your story and what was important to you.
Don is survived by his mother, Thea; brother, David; sisters: Sheila (Wayne) Johnson, Lori (Jim) Peterson, Lisa (Scott) Schmitt and Lara (Ryan) Riste; aunts and uncles: Thurman and Janice Towner, Steve Cooper, Audrey Mades, Phyllis McRae, Gordon and Joan McRae; nieces and nephews: Nicole Biondo, Brad (Nicole) Johnson, Stacy Johnson, Adam (Mollie) McRae, Jared (Danielle) Peterson, Josh Peterson, Joel (Sydney) Schmitt, Alicia Schmitt, Rylan Riste, Dillan Riste; many beloved great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; and his best buddies: Jim Nelson, Les Schultz and Paul Flanigan.
He was preceded in death by his father, Loren; grandparents, Randolph and Lilah McRae and Albert and Margaret Towner; uncles, Millard McRae and Erland “Bud” McRae; aunt, Sharon Cooper; and nephews, Jesse Peterson and Nathan Schmitt.
Memorial services will be held Friday, December 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Trempealeau United Methodist Church in Trempealeau. Pastor Mary Beth Scow will officiate.
Visitation will be Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 4:00 p.m., to 7:00 p.m., at Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.
