Donald "Don" Promer

Donald “Don” Promer, age 84, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 29, 2026. He was born on December 16, 1941 to Robert and Ethel (Gussert) Promer.

Don grew up in Kaukauna and graduated in 1960 from Kaukauna High School. After high school he enlisted in the Army.  After returning from the Army, he joined the family business, Promer Dry Wall. He then started Donald Promer Dry Wall in Appleton, Wisconsin. He met his wife, Rachel (Emmerich) and they were married on June 19, 1965. Don and Rachel celebrated 54 years together before her passing on October 15, 2019. Don and Rachel built and owned a number of apartment buildings and houses that they managed in Kaukauna and Appleton. Don was a hard worker taking pride in everything.

Don loved his family, friends and the outdoors.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time at his cottage on the Menominee River.  He also enjoyed hunting and fishing trips to Canada and North Dakota with family and friends. Don and Rachel enjoyed traveling to Europe and Florida.  As a family they celebrated many family reunions at the Kalahari in the Wisconsin Dells.

Don will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Don is survived by his four children: Lisa (Glen) Kolarik, Chad (Kelly) Promer, Jim Promer (Jenny Tichey), and Lynn (Mike) Ramel; grandchildren: Gabe (Kate) Promer, Gavin Kolarik, Nathan Promer, Jake Promer, Madelyn Promer, Luke Promer, Abigail Ramel, Taylor Ramel, Lincoln Promer; two sisters: Marlene (Gene Kostrazak) Tennessen and Mary Biesterveld; in laws: Arden (Donna) Emmerich, Marita Wagner, and Gwen Emmerich; Special Friend, Sue Reinke; and lots of nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rachel Promer; infant daughter, Lora Lynn Promer; parents: Robert Sr. and Ethel (Gussert) Promer; brothers: Richard (Dick) Promer, Robert Jr. (Bobby) Promer; in-laws: James and Elva Emmerich, Jean Promer, Rodney Emmerich, Clifford Wagner and Dan Biesterveld.

A Funeral Service for Don will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N. Richmond St., Appleton. Visitation will begin at the funeral home at 9:00 a.m. and will continue until the time of the Service. For online condolences, please visit www.valleyfh.com.

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