Donald “Doc” Edward Kemmeter

Donald “Doc” Edward Kemmeter, 90, of Rhinelander, passed away on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at his home with his family at his side and under the care of Compassus at Home Hospice.

Donald was born in Watertown on August 19, 1932, to Lee S. and Lucille E. (Schmid) Kemmeter. He was raised in Jefferson, and later in Beloit, graduating from Beloit Memorial High School in 1950. 

He enlisted in the United States Army during the Korean War, serving in France as a Corporal in the Special Services attached to the Air Force from 1952 until 1954. Doc returned to Wisconsin where he attended Beloit College, graduating in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He was united in marriage to Ann Marie Friedl at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in South Beloit, Illinois. The couple moved to Rhinelander where Doc taught Biology and Physiology for the next 31 years, from 1959 until 1990 in the same classroom, “Room 121”. 

Donald continued his studies during the summer months at U.W. Madison and then transferring to St. Mary’s College in Winona, Minn. where he earned a Master’s Degree in science in 1970. 

Throughout his career at Rhinelander High School, Doc was an advisor and in charge of the Forestry Camping Club – Out For Fun, taking students along with his family, Ann, John, and Pat, on camping and canoeing adventures just about every weekend.

He was a member of Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church and a CCD volunteer for 15 years at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. He was a past member of and President for 10 years of the Oneida Wildlife Society.

Anyone who knew Doc, knew he had certain passions. One of these was gourmet cooking. Not only preparing the food, but his favorite food was anything he could get his hands on! His other passion was listening to opera music and classical music, with Canon in D being one of his favorites.

In retirement Doc stayed busy, he enjoyed reading and had been employed for 20 years with Forth Floral. Working there allowed him to purchase many different varieties of orchids.

Surviving Don is his wife, Ann, son, Patrick John Kemmeter of Rhinelander, sister, MaryLee Dusick of West Allis, two sisters-in-law, Cathie Kemmeter of Madison and Nodi Kemmeter of Rockton, Ill. Also surviving are nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends, along with his four-legged companions, Zip, and MeToo.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Lucille Kemmeter, son, John Kemmeter in 1980, and brothers, Bob Kemmeter and Jim Kemmeter.

The visitation for Doc will be held on his and Ann’s 63rd wedding anniversary, Sunday, August 27, 2023, at the Hildebrand Funeral Home from 1 p.m. until the 3 p.m. funeral service. Chaplain John Uhlarik will officiate.

Immediately following the service, there will be a procession to Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Cemetery for the Committal Service. Military honors will be conducted by the Northwoods Honor Guard and by two representatives from the United States Army.  

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Everyone is invited to sign the guestbook or leave an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com.