Donald Walter Triebold passed on to his eternal home on May 21, 2026. Don was born on April 23, 1935, in Evanston, Illinois, to the late Frederick W. and Mildred (nee Stecher) Triebold. Through his teen years, Don lived and worked on the family’s dairy farm, where he developed a life-long work ethic. His first eight years of education were in a one-room country schoolhouse, in which all eight grades were taught by one teacher. He graduated from Whitewater City High School in 1953 and then graduated from UW Whitewater in 1958 with a degree in Business Education. He continued his education, and earned a Master’s Degree in 1966.
Don married Marjorie Schonath on August 9, 1958. They moved to Manitowoc, where Don taught Business Education courses at Manitowoc High School. In 1963, they moved to Burlington, where he taught at Burlington High School.
Their marriage was blessed with three sons, Eric (Lynne), Mark (Carrie), and Kurt (Julia); seven grandchildren, Ryan (Theresa), Sarah (Morgan), Taylor (Jackie), Emily (Nathan), Madelaine, Hayden, and Payton; three step grandchildren, Makiah, Helene, and Connor; and three great-granddaughters, Oliani (Ani), Charlotte (Charlie), and Georgia.
In 1966, Don moved back to Whitewater and launched a business career with his brothers, establishing Triebold Implement, Inc., a farm and construction equipment dealership. Other business ventures included Froehling Farm Equipment in Watertown, T & T Auto Parts Supply, D & R Partnership LLC, and real estate properties and rentals.
Don represented the farm equipment industry by serving on dealer councils with various manufacturers, including J.I. Case, New Holland, and Gehl Company. He was a member of the Midwest Equipment Dealer Association and became president in 1999 and 2000. He served a term on the Whitewater Community Development Authority Board, and was one of the founding members of Bethel House, a Whitewater non-profit offering shelter and financial assistance for families in crisis. Don also served in the Wisconsin National Guard for eight and a half years.
Don aspired to live a Christ-centered life. His faith was reflected through decades of service in numerous church ministries, including 60 years as an active member of First United Methodist Church of Whitewater. He loved Christian and classical music and sang in choirs for nearly 70 years. Don also had a deep appreciation for history, art, architecture, flower gardening, nature, and world travel.
Don is survived by his sons, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Marge; three sisters, Dorothy (Joe) Gray, Aileen (Hubert) Niemann, and Shirley (Gordon) Lohmeier; and three brothers, Frederic “Fritz” (Jeanne) Triebold, Richard “Dick” (Judy) Triebold, and David (Laura) Triebold.
The family will greet relatives and friends on Monday, June 1, 2026, at First United Methodist Church, 145 S. Prairie St., Whitewater, from 9:30 until 11:30 a.m. followed by a celebration of life service.
Memorials in Don’s name to First United Methodist Church of Whitewater or the Alzheimer’s Association are appreciated by the family.
The Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater has been entrusted with Don’s arrangements.