Donald E. Pauser

Donald Edward Pauser, a Dixon resident for 65 years, beloved father, grandfather, great- grandfather and friend to many, died March 17, 2026, at Community General Hospital in Sterling, Illinois. He had recently celebrated his 90th birthday. Born Feb. 6, 1936, to Emil Pauser and Theresa Pauser in Park Falls, Wisconsin, Don was the oldest of six children. He grew up in Park Falls and attended St. Anthony’s School, then Lincoln High School. A lifelong Catholic, Don began his faith life in Park Falls at St. Anthony’s de Padua Church. Don met Dianne Behme during college, and they married Sept. 10, 1960, at St. Anthony’s Park Falls and lived in Platteville. He received a bachelor’s degree in 1961 in civil engineering at the University of Wisconsin, Platteville. Don got his first job out of college at the Illinois Department of Transportation where he worked for 36 years. He first worked in bridge construction for IDOT, then was promoted to bridge maintenance including inspections and repair plans on existing bridges. During his career he was responsible for bridges in 10 counties in northwestern corner Illinois. The Pausers moved to Dixon in 1961 where they welcomed daughters Terri, Marcy and Laurie as well as sons Patrick and Jerry to their family. The family enjoyed an active life in Dixon and Don supported his children’s many activities including sports and 4-H. Don, a member of the Dixon Noon Lions Club since 1981, served as both chapter president and treasurer. He was a member and later president of the Illinois Association of Highway Engineers. He was also a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and more recently St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Dixon. Don and his wife were avid bridge players in the community and attended regional tournaments. Don was preceded in death by his wife Dianne, who died Sept. 2, 2020, eight days short of their 60th wedding anniversary. He was also preceded by two sisters, Elizabeth Peterson and Kathleen LeDuc and his brother Richard Pauser. He is survived by daughters Terri Wolf (Alan), Marcy Wolmutt (David), Laurie DeMeyer (Daniel), and sons Patrick (Teresa) and Jerry (Carla). He is also survived by seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, Jeanette Brandau of Dixon and Genesseo has been a close companion since 2022. A visitation will be held at 9 a.m. at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Dixon on Saturday, March 21. It will be followed by funeral mass at 11 a.m. Lunch reception to follow. Burial will be at a later date in Park Falls. The family requests no flowers, but memorial donations to Lions International or St. Anne’s Church would be welcome. Arrangements by the Jones Funeral Home in Dixon.

Donald E. Pauser

February 6, 1936 - March 17, 2026