Donovan Berwyn True's Obituary
Donovan Berwyn True of Oshkosh, Wisconsin passed away Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at Bella Vista Assisted Living Community after a brave struggle with the physical and cognitive issues of advanced age.
Born on October 6, 1928 in Youngstown, Mahoning County, Ohio, Don was a first generation American, the only child of Welsh immigrants John and Sarah Thomas True. United in marriage to Mary Ann Garwig on September 2, 1950 in North Lima, Ohio he enjoyed a committed and happy companionship until his wife’s passing on July 6, 2015. Over the years they made their home in Youngstown and Mentor, Ohio, Reseda and Canoga Park, California, Town of Menasha and finally on the shores of Lake Winnebago, Town of Black Wolf, Wisconsin.
As a young husband and father Don worked as a milk delivery driver, a Jewel Tea salesman and in the steel mills of the industrial Midwest, most notably at Youngstown Sheet and Tube, while simultaneously gaining a Bachelor of Science degree at Youngstown State University, graduating summa cum laude in 1957.
He was drafted, served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in January 1957 with the rank of Corporal. He sustained permanent hearing loss in active duty while serving his country.
With his keen mind, diligent work ethic and his Engineering degree and skills, his professional career began at Thompson Ramo Wooldrige (TRW) in Los Angeles as part of the aerospace industry.
In 1968 he moved his family to the farmlands of Wisconsin and began what was to be his lifelong career starting as an engineer and draftsman at Keikhaefer Mercury and going on to become a Vice President at Mercury Marine, a Division of Brunswick Corporation in Fond du Lac where he was employed until his retirement. His frank and direct nature touched the lives of many who considered him an important mentor and friend throughout their lives.
Don enjoyed a passion for fishing that fulfilled him from childhood excursions with his dog Brownie at Youngstown’s Mill Creek Park to Lake Erie and the Pacific Ocean, to the abundant joys of fresh water fishing throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest. He was a frequent contender who finished high in the standings at many area Walleye Tournaments. He and Mary were enthusiastic cheerleaders at the sporting events and dance performances of their children and grandchildren. They hosted generous and colorful holiday celebrations of their self-titled LOUD family and were truly at the heart of all the gatherings.
Donovan is survived by his four children, Terrie True of Little Chute, WI, Thomas True of Menasha, WI, William (Teri Roth) True of Port Angeles, WA, and Barbara True (Robert Gunderson) of Oshkosh, WI as well as grandchildren Justin, Benjamin, Nicholas and Jonathan True, Donovan E. and Matthew True, Abigail, Ross and Alexander (AJ) True, Molly and Blair Davis and great grandchildren Oscar True, Brycen and Preston True, Maeve True, Milo and Nani Lane, and Harper Lepianka. A new great granddaughter Lane will join the family in August.
He was preceded in death by both of his parents, his wife Mary Ann and his grandson, Michael True as well as three close cousins in Wales, Nancy Beynon Francis, Maureen Beynon Wimbush and Jean True Lawley.
Known locally and humorously as Don True the Fisherman he sometimes said that his church was out on Lake Winnebago where he had his talks with God. It is a comfort to those who loved him to know that at age 91 our dad, grandpa, uncle, cousin and friend has, after a long and fruitful life, peacefully "Gone fishin."
Memorial Services will be held on Monday, July 15, 2019 at 4 pm at Fiss & Bills Funeral Home at 865 S. Westhaven Drive. Oshkosh, WI 54904. Chaplain Kelly Vidmar will officiate. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Monday from 2 pm until the time of service. Private inurnment will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery in Black Wolf, WI.
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