Donald A. Cardinal

Donald “Don” A. Cardinal, 95 ½, passed from this life on Friday, May 29, 2026, and entered into eternity to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus.

Don was born in Chicago, IL in 1930 and was one of six living children born to Valentine and Dorothy (Burns) Cardinal. He moved to Chippewa Falls in 1942 and spent the rest of his life there. In 1958 he married Joanie Johnson, his wife of 42 years, and they had one child, daughter Colleen.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joanie in 2001; brother, Phil; sisters, Joan Roswell and Rosemary Cardinal; nephew, Randy Roswell; and good friend, Dolores Barnier.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Colleen Cardinal (Robert Gottschalk); brother, Tommy; sister, Mary Beth (Ray) Johnson; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, good friends, and neighbors.

My dad had a great zest for life and was an optimist! Always a glass half-full person. Even in his 90’s he still enjoyed learning new things and keeping up with the news, sports, and local events. Life was a big adventure for him.

He worked for the Soo Line Railroad as a brakeman and then a conductor for 42 years and greatly enjoyed his job and coworkers. Even after retiring, he said me missed his job. Dad loved hunting, fishing, and just being outdoors. He outlived all his hunting and fishing buddies by decades.

He greatly enjoyed league bowling and trap shooting. Dad shot trap for over 45 years and loved the camaraderie he shared with his fellow shooters. He loved planting and growing things and was known for his annual vegetable gardens and flowers. Sharing the produce with others gave him much pleasure.

Dad was a Packers, Brewers, Badgers and Ch Hi Cardinals fan. He cheered them on even when they didn’t listen to his analysis and recommendations! He also loved to sing and had a good baritone voice. He was fond of old Irish Rebel songs, church hymns, and county music. In later years he sang with the Senior Singers at the Chippewa Falls Senior Center.

A BIG thank you to so many good friends and neighbors who assisted him in his last few years. Thank you to: Kenny and Janell, Paul and Cathy, Janet and Jeremiah, Don and Barb, and many others.

Much love and thanks to: Bill and Theresa Misfeldt, Tim and Valerie Reiter, and Tommy Cardinal for your support, love, and encouragement.

Dad will especially miss his good coffee buddies, Gary, Russ, Sandy, and world-class waitress, Chris, at Sid Harvey’s Restaurant. Thank you to the Chippewa Falls BMO Bank staff for your kindness and assistance. Thank you also to Dr. Steve Steinmetz and Dr. Raj Maddikunta and their staff for keeping him chugging along for so many years.

Thanks also to Mayo Clinic Health System, Aveanna Home Health, and St. Croix Hospice (Courtney and Nicole).

Dad was blessed with a long and well-lived life. Rest in peace, Pop! We will see you again soon.

Those wanting to make a donation in Don’s memory may do so directly to The Eau Claire Rod and Gun Club, Chippewa Falls Rod and Gun Club, Chippewa Humane Association, Fee My People, Central Lutheran Church, or a charity of your choice.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m., on Thursday, June 4 at Central Lutheran Church with Rev. Aaron Sturgis officiating. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. at the church. Burial will be private at Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls.

2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”