Donald Wolske

Donald Ray Wolske, age 78 of Gatesville, passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 in McGregor.

Graveside services with military honors will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, July 31, 2020, at Restland Cemetery, with Pastor Lynn Parks officiating.

Donald was born on February 6, 1942 in Mart, Texas to the late Bill and Alberta Haferkamp Wolske.  He and his family moved to Gatesville in 1957.  He worked at the A & P Grocery in Gatesville and Copperas Cove.  In 1963 he joined the Texas Army National Guard, he was called up to active duty in 1968 and served in Vietnam until 1969.  Once he returned from active duty, he worked at M.A.T.E.S. in North Ft. Hood, retiring in 2002.  He married Pamela Sandhoff on Oct. 15, 1966.  He also retired from Gatesville I.S.D. in custodial services.  He was an active member of the Gatesville D.A.V. Chapter 74 and V.F.W. Post 8230, where he served as Commander for several terms.  In 2009, he was honored as Gatesville’s “Citizen of the Year” for his service to the community.  He enjoyed and tirelessly, was always helping veterans and was an avid Gatesville High School sports fan.  He was a member of the Lutheran faith, Missouri Synod.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Eugene and Larry Wolske.

Donald is survived by his wife of 53 years, Pamela Wolske; daughter, Lisa Barnard and husband, Ron; sister, Gloria Snoddy and husband, Sam; three grandchildren, Dalton, Bailey and Braydie; and many good friends that he made over his lifetime.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorials be made to any local veterans service organization.