Attorney Donald J. Tikalsky

Attorney Donald J. Tikalsky of Waukesha, died Thursday, September 10, 2009 at AngelsGrace Hospice at the age of 85.  He was born on June 18, 1924 in Green Bay, WI, the son of Stephen and Teresa (Altman) Tikalsky.  Don proudly served his country as a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Force during WWII, flying B17 bombers.  He was united in marriage to Betty Lou Barthels on July 23, 1949 in Green Bay.  After graduating from Marquette Law School in 1951, Don practiced law in Milwaukee until moving to Waukesha in 1960.  As a trial attorney, he owned and operated the law firm of Tikalsky, Raasch &Tikalsky, Attorneys in Waukesha, and also was Court Commissioner of Waukesha County.
Don was highly regarded in numerous professional organizations.  In addition to being a member of the American Bar Association, he served on the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Wisconsin.  He was also a life member and past president of the Fellows of the Wisconsin Law Foundation and the Waukesha County Bar Association. As an active member in the community, Don was a Kiwanian for over 35 years, a past Exalted Ruler of the Waukesha Elks Club BPOE #400, and past president and director of the Waukesha Jaycees.  He received special recognition and many awards for his years of service with the Waukesha Area Chamber of Commerce.  He was Chairman of the Board of Zoning Appeals for the City of Waukesha for almost 50 years, as well as serving on the Board of Directors for many area banks.  Don volunteered his time as a lawyer in the community for various local organizations including the Waukesha Public Library, and still found time for his hobbies of farming, fishing, and traveling.
Don will be deeply missed by his wife of 60 years, Betty Lou Tikalsky of Waukesha; his son, James (Stephani) Tikalsky of Bloomington, IL, and their children: Libby and Sid; his daughter, Terry Ann (Tracy) Stevens of Waukesha; his daughter, Susan (Albert Friedman) Tikalsky of Madison, and their children:  Emma Rose and Joseph Donald; and his son J. Steven (Eleanor) Tikalsky of Pewaukee, and their children: Jason, Elissa, Barry, and Rory.  He is also survived by his sisters:  Mary Ann Tikalsky of Green Bay and Anne Destache of Rice Lake; nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Donnie.
Visitation will be held on Monday, September 14, 2009, beginning with a Vigil Service at 4:45 PM, followed by visiting from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Randle-Dable Funeral Home, 1110 S. Grand Ave., Waukesha.  Services continue on Tuesday, September 15 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 225 S. Hartwell Ave., Waukesha, with visitation from 9:30 AM until the 11:00 AM Funeral Mass.  Entombment will be held privately at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Waukesha.  Donations may be made to the charity of your choice or for youth services at the Waukesha Public Library through the Donald and Betty Lou Tikalsky Community Fund c/o Waukesha County Community Foundation, 2727 N. Grandview Blvd, # 122, Waukesha, 53188.