Donald "Dony" P. DeFere

     Dony DeFere, age 60, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away unexpectedly Monday December 5, 2016 at his home.

     He was born January 29, 1956 in Sturgeon Bay to the late Donald O. and Jeanette D. (Laubenstein) DeFere.  He attended Sturgeon Bay High School. As a youth, Dony was always known as a daredevil and even raced motocross. He loved riding motorcycles, especially his Screaming Eagle Harley, liked listening to rock’n roll (the harder the better), and enjoyed watching the Packers as well as snowmobiling, scuba diving and boating. Important things in life for Dony were his children and spending time with his grandchildren, taking their pictures, and hanging out with friends at Waterfront Mary’s.

     Never being afraid to try anything, he worked at various professions throughout his working life. Dony painted water towers, did underwater welding, delivered propane and drove semi over the road throughout the country. He always enjoyed taking pictures of beautiful sunsets and mountains while on the road.

     Dony was always smiling and had a great sense of humor. We will miss that sly smile and memorable laugh. He loved people, was outgoing, and was always open and accepting with anyone. He could enter a room as a stranger and leave as everyone’s friend, and he would talk with everyone and get to know them more. Dony was always interested in what was going on and liked to be involved. When he was driving over the road, he would check in and would always end his conversation with, “Tell everyone I love them.”

     Dony is survived by his three children, daughter, Karli (Chuck) Spahr of Oakdale, MN, two sons, Jason DeFere and Stephan (Hope) DeFere of Sturgeon Bay; Jason and Stephan’s mother, Mary DeFere of Sturgeon Bay; nine grandchildren, Samantha, Cody and Hunter Spahr, Jacob, Sage, Emiah, Calla Rose, Soleil and Ruby DeFere; two sisters, Diane (Edward) Jones of Sturgeon Bay; Andrea Bakalar of Sturgeon Bay; nieces and a nephew; many great nieces and nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Jeanette DeFere; and his brother-in-law, Horace “Duke” Dusendschon.

     A memorial service will be held 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 15, 2016 at Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay. Friends may call on Thursday, December 15, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service. 

     Condolences and memories may be shared with the DeFere family at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.

 Service Information