Obituary: Donald Arthur Colwell, Jr.

On Thursday, March 9th, 2023, Donald Arthur Colwell, Jr. passed away unexpectedly at the age of 72.

Donald was born on April 23, 1950 to Donald Arthur and Elizabeth Ann (Lawler) Colwell, Sr. He attended J.I. Case High School in Racine, Wisconsin.

On September 3rd, 1991, Don was united in marriage with the love of his life, Jeanne Russell. Together they built their farm and their family over the next 30 years.

Don was blessed with 2 children. His son Brian from a marriage early in his life and his daughter Sydney.

Don loved cars. He did body-work on cars, trucks and motorcycles from a young age until his retirement from Gross Motors Body Shop in Neillsville, Wisconsin in 2001. People would come to Don for his excellent body work. He could make an old, rusty car come to life and sparkle like a new one right off the lot. Don also loved to ride his Harley Davidson Motorcycle. He had two Harleys when he was young, but had to sell one to pay for Brian’s hospital bill as a baby. He always took care of his family. Over the years, he had several Harleys and traveled to Sturgis many times. After retiring from Gross Motors, Don drove a school bus for the Neillsville School District for 7 years. He then worked full time on the farm he shared with his wife, Jeanne and Sydney.

Donald was preceded in death by his father, Donald, Sr., his mother, Elizabeth and his brother, Thomas. He is survived by Jeanne, his 2 children, Brian (Becky) Colwell and Sydney Colwell, and his grandchildren, Allison and Elizabeth Colwell, along with nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

A private wake was held immediately following his passing. The public is welcome to a Celebration of Life to be held July 22, 2023 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Colwell Farm, N1001 Owen Avenue, Neillsville, WI.