Donald Gudmanson

Donald Wayne Gudmanson entered into his Heavenly home with his family by his side on September 23, 2025, at the age of 91. He was born at home on July 14, 1934, in Cadott, Wisconsin to Victor and Betsy (née Arneson) Gudmanson. He always felt blessed by his humble roots, which instilled in him countless lessons that he shared with everyone he met.

During Don's youth he worked during the summers on a farm and at Birch Grove Resort in Yellow Lake, WI. The resort was owned by his English teacher, Mrs. Anderson and his time spent with her at the resort was a major influence on his desire to become a teacher.

Don graduated from Cadott High School in 1952 and joined the Naval Reserves his senior year. He enrolled at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire (UWEC) in preparation to become a high school teacher. During his first semester at UWEC he was activated to the U.S. Navy where he served during the Korean Conflict. After his discharge he returned to UWEC to continue his education and was a member of the Bluegold Football Team. Don was a two-time All-Conference offensive guard and middle linebacker, Homecoming King, a member of the 1956 Championship Team, and co-captain in 1957. He graduated from college in 1958. Don was inducted into the Bluegold Athletic Hall of Fame in 1986.

After receiving his undergraduate degree from UWEC, Don taught Social Sciences and coached football and baseball at Spring Valley and Sauk Prairie High Schools. While at Spring Valley High School his football teams won or shared the Middle Border Conference championship and his 1959 baseball team played in the WIAA state tournament.

He continued his education after starting his career and earned his master's degree in Vocational Education - Guidance at the University of Wisconsin - Stout. He continued his postgraduate education when he was granted the General Electric Fellowship in Guidance and completed postgraduate courses in administration for public schools, technical schools, and correctional institutions.

In 1964 he left teaching to join the Wisconsin Division of Corrections (DOC) where he had a distinguished career until his retirement in 1999. He began his career in corrections as a Guidance Counselor and Assistant Principal at Fox Lake Correctional Institution. Fox Lake was the first medium security prison in the U.S. that was at the forefront of habilitation. Don was instrumental in the development of many programs which included a unit management system and assessment and evaluation programs that focused on the habilitation of inmates. He also partnered with outside agencies such as colleges, technical schools, and employment services to support the programs.

In December 1969 Don became the Principal of Kettle Moraine Boys School, and in 1972 he was appointed Principal and assisted in the planning and preparation for the activation of the Oxford Youthful Offenders Institution. He remained Principal at Kettle Moraine and became the Education

Director upon its conversion to the Kettle Moraine Correctional Institution (KMCI) in 1974. In 1978 he became the Associate Warden-Treatment. From 1981-82 he became the acting Director of DOC Bureau of Juvenile Services. From 1983-1984 he served as acting Warden at KMCI.

In 1985 he was appointed Warden of Oshkosh Correctional Institution which was under construction and activated in 1986. In 1996 Don was appointed Warden of Jackson Correctional Institution where he worked until he retired in 1999.

Don recognized the opportunity his position afforded him and laid the foundation for innovative educational and habilitation programs that became national and international models, earning him speaking invitations worldwide. In 1999, he received the Sanger B. Powers Award for Excellence in Criminal Justice. Don remained committed to his belief that every person deserved to be treated with dignity and given the opportunity for a second chance.

Though his educational, athletic, and vocational pursuits are noteworthy, the accomplishment of which Don was proudest was his family. He was married to Marlis Gudmanson (née Keiner) and had four beautiful children. He was lucky enough to find true love again when he met Betty Jane Killick (Kind) through matchmaking by their children. They were married in 1977 and lived in Plymouth, Wisconsin until 1986 when they moved to Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He cherished his wife of 45 years, the family they raised, and the life they built together.

He was happiest when everyone was gathered at home for holidays or making memories together up at the cottage. Don was never too busy to lend a listening ear, tell a good joke, or give some words of wisdom, especially if he could do it while drinking a cold Leinie's. A phone call with him included a report on his gardens, as well as commentary on his beloved Wisconsin sports teams. He was a proud member of the American Legion, where he served in leadership positions, including the Last Man's Club. While we will deeply miss him, we will always carry him, and all that he taught us in our hearts.

Those left to cherish his memory include children; Kayla Ericksen, Mary Beth Resimius (Randy), Donald L. Gudmanson (Lynn), Susan Gudmanson; Steven Killick (Charisma), Stacy Malison, and Gayanne Stanley; his grandchildren Doniell (Ben), Kelce (Michael), Sarah (Mike), Evan (Maxine), Carla (Marvin), Misty (James), Jessica (Caleb), Lucas (Caitlin), Aaron (Raisa), Jeremy, Evan (Hannah), Brooks (Samantha), Geneva; his great grandchildren, Liam, Carter, Nyan, August, Katarina, Alaina, Emma, Ian; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Don remained faithful and devoted to God, looking to Him for guidance daily.

A celebration of Don's life will be held on Friday, October 24th at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 2450 W. 9th Avenue, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The visitation will be from 9:00am to 11:30am with the service at 11:45am. Full military honors at the church. Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery, Plymouth, WI.

In lieu of flowers or plants the family would welcome donations towards a memorial that is being established to honor Don's legacy.