Donald C. Schmaling, 89, of Delavan, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at home. He was born on Sept. 2, 1936 in Elkhorn to Carl and Esther (Klug) Schmaling. Don was united in marriage to Helen Wilson on Sept. 30, 1955 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. He worked on the family farm his entire life.
Don was on the Board of Director for Sugar Creek, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with School longtime trustee, Turtle Lake Volunteer Fire Department, Walworth County Farm Bureau, Walworth County Fair Cattle Superintendent, Sno-Drifters Snowmobile Club, FFA Alumni, LimberTimbers square dancing, 4-H member, DHS marching band, and Melody 8 band. Don was a lifetime member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and faithfully served in many facets. He enjoyed dancing, playing cards, playing musical instruments, and spending time with his family.
Don is survived by his wife of 71 years, Helen; children, Jean (Bill) Duesterbeck of Delavan, Joyce (Dennis) Smalley of Westby, John (Jill) Schmaling of Delavan, Joann (Paul) Kayser of Burlington, and Jerri (Kevin) Mayes, of St. Augustine, Florida; 15 grandchildren and their spouses; 32 great grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Ron (Betty) Wilson and Alan Wilson; and many nieces and nephews.
Don is preceded in death by his parents; sister Elinor Ann (Schmaling) Reynolds; grandchild Jennifer Schmaling; great grandchild, Ashton Adams; sister-in-law, Diane Wilson; and brother-in-law, Jack Reynolds.
Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 416 W. Geneva Street in Delavan. Visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at Monroe Funeral Home, 604 E. Walworth Avenue in Delavan and from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral on Friday at church. Private burial will take place at Spring Grove Cemetery in Delavan.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with School or the Marshfield Ronald McDonald House.
Monroe Funeral Home in Delavan is assisting the family. Please visit us at www.delavanfuneralhome.com.