Donald Rae Handrich

It is with a heavy heart that the family of Donald Rae Handrich shares the news of his passing.
On February 28, 2022, Donald Handrich, age 73, passed suddenly, but without suffering into the hands of God. He was born on February 25, 1949. Don was a loving father to Troy, Tom and Trent. He often referred to them as "My Three Sons".

He graduated from Waupaca High School in 1967 and went on to attend The University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point where he placed on the Dean's list his last two years. In the midst of college, he broke away and joined the Army and was stationed in Kentucky for two years before going back to college.

Throughout the years of raising his sons, Don spent much of his time playing softball and coaching baseball for all three sons. He was a loyal fan of Wisconsin sports and loved watching Brewers baseball and both Badger and Packers football. Don enjoyed spending days on the Chain O' Lakes with his family.

Don had a talent to lead and get the best out of people. He was always a people person and loved to entertain. Don was a loving, giving person, never thinking twice about lending a hand or his time. He had a great sense of humor and the "Don" way of telling jokes. He enjoyed watching old westerns on TV, especially those involving John Wayne. He loved all creatures big and small, especially his pet dogs. When time allowed, he enjoyed traveling to the Caribbean.

Don started his career at Waupaca Foundry in the accounting department where he worked for nearly 30 years, 20 of which as lead controller. He then worked in finance for a few years for Mercury Marine. He later went on to invest his time and financial insights into developing multiple start-up businesses in Waupaca. Don was very detail oriented with a strong work ethic, a trait he passed on to his boys.

Don served on the Board of Directors at Waupaca Country Club in the 90's and also served on church council at Farmington Lutheran Church.

He was preceded in death by his father, Orville Handrich, mother and step-father, Donna and Kenneth "Schnoz" Neumann, a sister, Darlene and a brother, Gary "Speed" Handrich.

Don is survived by his wife, Sally Marchel-Handrich; the mother of his sons, Diane Handrich; sons, Troy (Heidi) Handrich, Thomas (Kristy) Handrich and Trent (Sarah) Handrich and seven grandchildren, Bennett, Owen, Madelin, Carson, Eli, Holly and Rex. Sally's children, Emily Barth and Kelly (Andy) Lawry and grandchildren, Decklan, Aven, Bria and Stevie. He is also survived by his sisters and brother, Andrea, Gloria and Larry, as well as other relatives and many friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at the Chain O'Lakes Bar and Grill, beginning at 2 p.m. He will be laid to rest at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery where he will receive full military honors.

And as Don would always say to his boys, "Remember, you're a Handrich."

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