Donald Natta

Donald “Don” K. Van Natta, of Platteville, WI passed away peacefully and with dignity at Agrace Hospice Care Fitchburg, WI, with his loving wife by his side, on Monday June 1st 2015, at the age of 86.
Don will be lovingly missed by his wife of 64 years, Myrtle. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 8, 2015 at the United Methodist Church, Platteville, WI. Rev. Brenda Whitford will officiate. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Platteville, where military rites will be accorded by American Legion Post #42 and VFW Post #5274. Friends may call from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Sunday June 7, 2015 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville. In addition, friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday, at the church. Memorials may be made to the Donald K. Van Natta Memorial Fund. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.

Don was born April 2, 1929 in Waukesha, WI, the son of Harold J. and Lillian B. (Schindler)
Van Natta. He was united in marriage to Myrtle M. Moody on June 5, 1951 at the Methodist Church, Belmont, WI. He graduated from Platteville High School in 1948 where he participated in track. While growing up he was an active 4-H member. He was a life time member of the Platteville Methodist Church. He served in the 32nd Division of the Wisconsin National Guard. Don was 1st Sergeant of Combat Support Co. and served in Ft. Lewis, WA, 1961-1962.

He worked at the Dubuque Packing Co. (hog cut dept.) for 33 years, retiring in 1981. After retirement he enjoyed working at Doctor's Park Physicians and the Platteville Oral Surgeons maintaining the building and grounds. He was a courier for Doctor's Park Clinic and greeter for Southwest Health Center. He really enjoyed being outdoors and cutting grass on his Cub Cadet riding lawn mower.

Don was Scoutmaster of Troop 82, Platteville, for 30 years. During this time he was very proud to help 45 boy scouts attain the rank of Eagle Scout under his leadership. As scoutmaster, he enjoyed twelve treks to the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico, where he was accompanied by a son, grandson, and son-in-law. He received Scouting leadership awards of: Scouter of the year 1972, Outstanding Scoutmaster 1973, National Presidents Leader of Distinction, Silver Beaver Award in 1976, The Bridge Builder in 1978 and Order of the Arrow (Vigil). He was also presented the Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award (ABCD). Don was a member of American Legion Post #42, Platteville, WI, where he was secretary and served on the firing squad.

Don was a very kind, proud, and giving father and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time and keeping “tabs” on his family and grandchildren. Donating and volunteering freely of his time, helping coach his children's many youth sports team in Platteville, WI.

Don thoroughly enjoyed watching sports. He loved to follow all the local high school sports teams. He was fond of the Hillmen, Pioneers, Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers, as well as the Pearl City Wolves. He always enjoyed being Santa's Helper during the holiday season. Also, traveling on WARCO bus trips to Branson, MO where he enjoyed the music and shows. He enjoyed dancing, playing euchre, going to movies, auctions and telling jokes. This included opening for comedians at the Arthur House comedy shows.

Don is survived by his wife, Myrtle; four children, Marsha (Jay) Butson, Dennis Van Natta, Larry (Lisa) Van Natta, Mary Jo Van Natta (Mike Esmond); four grandchildren, Jayson Van Natta, Kelsey (Steve) Butson-Sraga, Denyse Van Natta, Katie Butson; brothers-in-law, Ron Moody, of California; Robert Gill; sister-in-law, Mary Moody; and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, father and mother-in-law, Orville and Alta Moody; sister-in-law, Marge Gill; and brother-in-law, Orville Moody Jr.

Don's family would like to thank ALL whom have touched our lives and extended care to Don and his family during this time and this journey. Don was loved by so many for his gentleness, kindness, wit, and selflessness. He will be dearly missed.