SPARTA - Donald Henry Englert, age 92, of Sparta, Wisconsin, passed away on September 6th, leaving behind a legacy of faith, integrity, love for family and friends, and a strong work ethic.
Don was born in Milbank, South Dakota, and grew up on the family farm in Vienna. As the oldest of 11 children, there was always something that needed to be done, and Don was there to lend a hand. After high school, Don moved to Minneapolis, where he met his wife, Beverly. They married in 1970 and had two of their three children, Charles and Dan.
While in Minneapolis, he began selling tractor cabs, trailers, as well as chutes and headgates, throughout Wisconsin. His work necessitated a move to Sparta, Wisconsin. Shortly after the move to Sparta in 1973, Beverly gave birth to their third son, Justin.
They resided in Sparta for the next 53 years and raised their three children. Known for his strong work ethic and dedication, Donnie—as his brothers and sisters affectionately called him—continued working well into his late-80s, reflecting his commitment, perseverance, and pride in a job well done.
Together, Don and Bev built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, hard work, and community. Donald was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He will be remembered for the sacrifices he made and the love he shared with his family, the life he built in Sparta, and the many memories he leaves behind.
Don also had a generous spirit and a gift for connecting with others. He volunteered at food shelves, frequently donated blood, and enjoyed visiting with friends and neighbors. He could often be found at McDonald’s or Burger King, sharing conversations with those around him.
Don was a devout Catholic and rarely missed Sunday Mass. Even during his final days in assisted living at Rolling Hills, Don could be found on Sunday mornings singing songs and participating in church activities.
We can’t talk about Don without talking about the many days spent playing cards with his family and friends, whether it was whist, george or nutsy he rarely lost. You would have thought he cheated but we could never catch him.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Josephine; his brothers, Larry, Jerry, and Neal; his sisters, Angela, and Sister Joyce.
More than anything, Don loved his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Beverly; his sons, Charlie, Dan, and Justin (wife Carmen); his four granddaughters, Hope, Aleah, Lexi, and Claire; his siblings, Arlene, Jay (wife Cheri), Karen Berhow (husband Larry), David (wife Marsha), Basil (wife Rita) and Larry’s wife Gloria; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, with Father Eric Berns officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sparta. Following the burial, the family will host a light lunch at their home.
Family and friends are invited for visitation from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home with a 6 p.m. rosary. Visitation will continue from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation
