Donald L. Carolan peacefully passed away at his residence in the predawn hours of October 1, 2011, likely prior to his daily early morning walk.

Don was born a native of Beaver Dam, arriving on February 19, 1936, the son of Lawrence and Viola (nee Pfarrer) Carolan.
Don lived a life exuding verve and vitality. He always touched new and old friends with a sense of humor and a true interest in their lives. He was married to his first wife in 1959, Elizabeth Allemand and later to his second wife, Jean (nee Schroeder) Vande on November 8, 1991. Don's hobbies included physical fitness as a way of life from bicycling, cross-country skiing, walking/hiking, kayaking, and weight lifting. Don was a creative spirit with woodcarving and painting. Don was an active member of Grace Presbyterian Church, where he served as a Deacon and had a very deep relationship with God and a giving heart to those in need.

Don retired as a supervisor from Deere & Co. in 1997 after 33 years of service. He held a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Don honorably served in the United States Air Force with tours of duty in French Morocco and Puerto Rico from 1954 to 1958.

His family mourns his loss and will miss all of the many things he was to each of them. In keeping with the life he led and appreciated, they will carry him forward with a remembrance of his giving heart, his gusto to maximize each moment, and most of all his sense of humor and will always hear his unique laughter.

Don leaves behind his loving wife of nearly 20 years, Jean Carolan of Beaver Dam and a large and close family; his children, Mary (Richard Rudd) Carolan of Houston, TX, Michael (Lora) Carolan of Conroe, TX; step-children, Lori (Russ) Erber of Beaver Dam, Luann (Jim Choma) Kranz of Peshtigo, WI, Lois (Bob) Ronca of Fond du Lac; grandchildren, James Carolan of Chicago, IL, Christopher Carolan of Conroe, TX, Leah Fakes of Columbus, WI, Kristin Erber of Morehead, MI, Lindsay (Kyle) Storm of Beaver Dam, James Kranz of Peshtigo, WI, Kamryn and Jensyn Ronca of Fond du Lac, WI; 2 great-grandchildren; sister-in-laws, Beverly Coller of Arbor Vitae, WI, Vanice (Gordon) Jacobs of Max Meadows, VA and he is further survived by nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Viola Carolan, a grandson Patrick J. Carolan, his first wife Elizabeth, 2 brother-in-laws and a sister-in-law.

In honoring Don's wishes, an intimate family gathering was held to celebrate his life- in lieu of formal services.

Don was an ambassador of a healthy lifestyle preceding its popularity and was always a member of the Y.M.C.A. The family asks that memorials in Don's name may be directed to Grace Presbyterian Church or the Y.M.C.A.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family.