Donald R. Eliason

Donald R. Eliason, known to friends and family as “Don” or "Donnie," passed away peacefully at Seasons of Life Hospice House in Woodruff on the morning of January 17, 2025, at the age of 83.

Donnie was born on July 29, 1941, in Rhinelander, to Oscar and Lucille Eliason. He grew up at the family-owned Murmuring Waters Resort on Lost Lake in St. Germain, where his summer duties included tending bar, playing the piano, and entertaining guests alongside his twin brother, Richard ("Dick"), and older brother, Jerry. His passion for music and entertaining continued throughout his life, especially at his brother Jerry's Someplace Else Supper Club in St. Germain, where he played the organ for patrons well into the night. Even later in life, Donnie could sit down at any piano and effortlessly play one of the hundreds of songs in his repertoire.

After graduating from Eagle River Union High School in 1959, Donnie attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point before co-founding Eliason Realty of the North in 1961 with his twin brother. Known as "The Twins," Don and Dick grew Eliason Realty into the largest real estate brokerage in the Northwoods before selling the business to employees in 1985. In the early 2000s, Dick's family repurchased Eliason Realty, which remains the oldest continuously operating real estate brokerage in the area. Dick and Don were also pioneers in northern Wisconsin’s condominium industry, converting and developing some of the region’s most popular condominium resorts.

In 1970, Donnie married Kathleen Kazda, a "local girl" from Sayner. Together, they had two sons, David and Brian. Despite extensive travels across the United States, Donnie’s primary residence remained within a mile of his childhood home on Lost Lake in St. Germain until his move to Eagle River in 2020.

A strong advocate for his community, Don served on the St. Germain Town Board for 18 years. During his time in office, he conceived and spearheaded the development of the St. Germain Golf Course, recruited numerous businesses to the area, and worked to make the Northwoods a place where more residents could enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

Throughout his 60+ years in business, Don was the ultimate entrepreneur, with ownership in numerous successful ventures, including Eliason Realty, Flash 401 motor oil distribution, Stihl/Cutquik commercial chainsaw wholesaling, Nevada Bob’s Discount Golf stores, Midwestern Risk Advisors insurance agency, and a range of regional and national commercial real estate investments. 

Perhaps his most cherished property was Timber Ridge Golf Club in Minocqua, which his family continues to own. Donnie also served on the boards of several companies, including Firstar Bank in Minocqua, Plum Lake Golf Club, and his sons' real estate investment company. He always made time to offer mentorship and advice to friends, businesspeople, and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Lucille Eliason; his sister, Joyce Lee; and his sister-in-law, Patricia Eliason. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy; his sons, David (Shirin) and Brian (Mary); grandchildren, Olivia and Oscar Eliason, Ava and Anna Eliason, Lindsey and William Janklow; great-grandson, RJ Brazendale; brothers, Jerry and Dick (Bonnie); and many nieces and nephews.

Don will be greatly missed and will always be remembered as the life of the party, living life to the fullest and leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Arrangements by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home in Eagle River.