Donald "Don" Frank Fictum, age 91, of New Holstein, passed away Monday, July 22, 2024.

He was born March 9, 1933, In Manitowoc to Frank & Martha (Kohlman) Fictum. Don graduated from Lincoln High School in Manitowoc in 1951. He met his future wife, Imogene "Imie" Kretsch, at Lincoln High School and they were married September 10, 1955.

Don attended Manitowoc Teacher College, U.W. Oshkosh, and U.W. Milwaukee where he obtained his master's degree in education administration.

Don served in Army National Guard from 1951-1971; he was activated during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the civil unrest in Milwaukee in the 60's. He retired from the National Guard as a captain.

Don began his education career in Appleton and then Chilton until they moved to New Holstein in 1959 and he began teaching 8th grade for the New Holstein School District. He eventually moved into the principal position at the elementary school and ended his career as superintendent of the New Holstein School District.

He was a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Kiel where he served as past president of the congregation and superintendent of Sunday School. Don was also a member of the New Holstein American Legion Post 124, the New Holstein Kiwanis, the Outdoor's Inc, and past president of the New Holstein Community Chest. Don and his wife, Imie, travelled around the United States and helped build churches and schools with WELS Builder's for Christ organization.

Don enjoyed spending time at his cabin, hunting, and fishing. He loved to be with his family, especially his grandchildren. After retiring, he involved himself with woodworking.

Survivors include his two sons, Mark (Emily) Fictum of Fall Creek and Greg (Colleen) Fictum of New Holstein; his grandchildren, Grace, Noah, Leah, Aidan, Holly, Maggie, Katie, Emma, Ben, Michelle, and Catherine; great grandchildren, Lilianna, Deon, Noah; his sisters and brother, Carol (Bill) Holsen, Shirley Jurkevich, and Bob Fictum; sister-in-law, Betty Kretsch; and son-in-law, Denny Galipo. Don is further survived by nieces; nephews; other relatives; and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents Frank & Martha Fictum; his wife, Imie; two daughters, Linda and Amy; daughter-in-law, Marge Fictum; his sister, Jane (Victor) Wigand; his father-in-law & mother-in-law, Daniel & Olga Kretsch; brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law, Beatrice (Cal) Dietrich-Pritzel, Norbert Dietrich, Edward Kretsch, and Alan Jurkevich; a niece, Melody Schmitt; and a nephew, Larry Kretsch.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 387 Cemetery Road, Kiel, WI 53042. Rev. Brett Naumann will preside.

Don will be laid to rest next to his wife and daughters at the New Holstein Cemetery following the service. Military Rites conducted by the New Holstein American Legion Post 124 and State Military Honors will be conducted at the cemetery.

Visitation: Family and friends may visit with Don's family at Trinity Lutheran Church in Kiel on Saturday morning, July 27th from 8:30 AM until 10:30 AM.

Don's family expresses their sincere appreciation to the nurses and staff at LakeHouse, New Holstein and Compassus Hospice for the care given to Don.

For further information, please contact the Sippel Funeral Home in New Holstein or visit www.sippelfuneralhome.net.