Donald J. Mercier

Donald Joseph Mercier, age 76, of Colfax, passed away Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, at Luther Hospital in Eau Claire.

He was born Nov. 6, 1932, in the Town of Colburn, Chippewa County, to Joseph L. and Nedra (Loiselle) Mercier and attended Boyd Schools. Don served in the U.S. Army from 1949 to 1952 in Korea and Japan.

Following his military service, Don operated his own barber shop in Moses Lake. He later moved back to Wisconsin and worked in the construction field. Don married Janice (Ouimet) Semanko on March 27, 1976, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cadott.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and friends and he also enjoyed attending his annual Army Reunion for the 24th Infantry Div.

Don is survived by his wife, Janice; his children, Sandra (Mike) Maroney, Donald F. (Becky) Mercier, Sheryl (Jerry) McCarty and David (Valerie) Mercier; step-children, Thomas (Debra) Semanko, Jean (Don) Knutson, Mary (Mark) Beasanki and Connie (Jeff) Hoyt; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a sister, Suzanne (Gilmer) Bowe; and a brother, Duane  Mercier; and also survived by many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Jerome, Willard and James; and a step-son, Zachary Semanko.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009, at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie. Burial will be in Cedar Falls Cemetary in the Town of Red Cedar, Dunn County, with military honors by Menomonie Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation was at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday.

To express condolences online, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com.