Donald Dolgner, Linda Swanke
I'm but a stranger here, Heaven is my home;
Earth is a desert drear; Heaven is my home:
Danger and sorrow stand Round me on every hand;
Heaven is my fatherland, Heaven is my home.
DONALD DOLGNER
Donald D. Dolgner, age 96 of Kingston, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at the Markesan Resident Home in Markesan. Don was born on January 7, 1930, the son of Arthur Raymond and Martha (Lueck) Dolgner on the family homestead. He attended a country school in the Salemville area until he began working on the farm alongside his parents at a young age. In the mid 1940’s Don found the love of his life and was united in marriage to Marjorie Jean Kovalaske on Aug. 20, 1955 at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Randolph. Don and Jean continued to farm on the family farm and raised 10 beautiful children. In 1985, they moved to the Village of Kingston where he resided ever since. Shortly after, Don began working at PMI (known now as Sigma) in Markesan. He retired in 2020, two days before his 90th birthday. Don served others as Chairman for the Township of Manchester and later as Village President of Kingston. Don was a devoted member of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church-Salemville and served as the church treasurer. He enjoyed working with his hands and was known as the family ‘handy man’ that could fix anything. His most cherished moments were spent with his family. He would put on miles, walking around with a crying baby, until they gave in and fell asleep.
If there were to be one word among many adjectives to describe Don it would be goodness. He quietly shared his gift of goodness in subtle and obvious ways - embracing his wife, family, and the Lord -always putting them first in his life. While his children would coax him into agreeing who was his favorite, he always quickly pointed out that we were ALL his favorite! Don will be sadly missed and mourned by his children, Linda, Denise (Curt), Gregory (Pam), Marsha (Tom), Michael (Sherri), Angele (Allan), Annette, Anthony (Cindy), Patricia “Fritz” (Tom) and Maureen (Paul); numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, one great great grandchild due in June; one brother, Raymond (Marion) Dolgner; two sisters-in-law, Margaret Wear and Irene Dolgner; nieces, nephews, many other relatives and dear friends. Don was preceded in death by his wife Jean on Oct. 24, 2020; his parents and two brothers, Robert “Chub” (Betty) Dolgner and Dennis Dolgner. Funeral services will be held at 12p.m. (noon) on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church – Salemville with Pastor Kurt Hagen officiating. Burial will follow in Salemville Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call on the family on Thursday at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service.
LINDA SWANKE
Linda A. Swanke, age 67, of Markesan, passed away unexpectedly at home on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Linda was born on May 8, 1958, in Milwaukee, the daughter of Charles and Dona (Wenzel) Eury. She graduated from James Madison High School in Milwaukee with the class of 1977. Growing up, Linda and her family spent much of their time on the waters of Lake Puckaway in Marquette, where she enjoyed ice skating, fishing, water sports, and snowmobiling. It was during one of these adventures that she met the man who would become her future husband, Gary. Linda was united in marriage to Gary L. Swanke on August 12, 1978. They shared 47 years of marriage and made their home on the family farm in Marquette. Over the years, Linda worked several jobs, most recently retiring from her hospitality position at the Markesan Resident Home. She truly enjoyed working with the residents and her co-workers and was known for her infectious personality and warm companionship. After retiring, Linda continued volunteering at the Markesan Resident Home so she could spend time with the residents she cared so deeply about. She also continued to fulfill a longtime dream by working in the greenhouse she owned and operated with Gary for the past 11 years. Linda enjoyed feeding and watching her birds, ice skating, and watching figure skating. She was an avid reader with a love for journalism, nature, and her flowers. She enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers and spending time with family and friends. Her father’s homage in North Carolina and the Smoky Mountains held a special place in her heart. She also loved playing with her dog, Cody. The beaches of Lover’s Key, Sanibel, and Marco Island were among Linda’s favorite vacation destinations. She delighted in all their enchantments, from seashelling to spotting sea turtles, with a rum runner enjoyed in between. Over the years, Linda was a member of the Marquette Volunteer Fire Department and the 73 Honeybees Homemakers Club. She was always the bright spot when she entered a room and will be remembered for her radiant smile and her signature Halloween “witch’s” laugh. Linda always thought of others and remembered everyone. Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart and brought her much joy. She spent as much time as possible with them.
Linda is survived by her husband, Gary Swanke; mother, Dona (Wenzel) Eury; siblings, Kenneth (Debra) Eury and Dennis (Janet) Eury; children, Heather (Benjamin) Moderow, Kristopher (Alicia) Swanke and Brian (Rachel) Swanke; grandchildren, Shayla, Austin, Isaiah, Keegan, Sydney, Brooklyn, Braxton and Kayden; and further survived by numerous other aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, other family members & many friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Eury; brother Charles Jr.; grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives. A celebration of Linda’s life will be held on April 11th, 2026 starting at 11:00 AM at the Marquette Village Hall in Marquette.. There will be a short memorial service with Pastor Hagen at the Village Hall followed by a fellowship. Interment will be held at a future date. Family & Friends are welcome to join. In honor of Linda, please include a hint of yellow in your attire for the day. A memorial will be established in Linda’s name. Linda will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of all of those who knew and loved her.