Donald Tewes

Donald E. Tewes, 96, of Waukesha died Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at Waukesha Memorial Hospital. He was born on August 4, 1916 in Merrill, WI, the son of Herman and Mable (nee Rickman) Tewes. He was a graduate of Trinity Lutheran School in Merrill, received his Bachelors degree from Valparaiso University in 1938, and his Law Degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1940. After graduation he practiced law in Merrill, WI, and then in 1942 entered the Air force as a private. He became a combat intelligence officer with the Fourteenth US Air Force Flying Tigers and completed 25 combat missions in the China-Burma-India Theater. He was discharged as a Major in 1946. On August 17, 1946 he married the former Myra Torhorst, who preceded him in death in 1993. Mr. Tewes was the president of Tewes Plastics Corporation until his retirement in 1994. In 1957 he was elected as a Republican to the Eighty-fifth Congress and served until 1959. He was active in the Waukesha community, serving on the Waukesha Memorial Hospital Board, Chamber of Commerce, in Kiwanis and on numerous other local committees. He was an avid reader, golfer and enjoyed spending time with his family. He will be sadly missed by his daughter, Barbara (Steve) Berndt of Waukesha, his son Jim Tewes of Davie, FL. His grandchildren, Matthew (Nicole) Berndt, Elizabeth (Raun) Lauterbach, and Crystal Tewes as well as his great-grandchildren Eli Berndt, Melanie Berndt and Aiden Tewes. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Norman (Eleanor) Tewes. Respecting his wishes, there will not be a visitation or funeral service. His wish was to be remembered by family and friends privately. What joy there must have been in heaven when he and Myra were reunited! Memorials are appreciated to the Waukesha Memorial Hospital Foundation 725 American Ave., Waukesha, WI 53188 or the Waukesha County Community Foundation 2727 N. Grandview Blvd., Suite 122, Waukesha, WI 53188. For further information, please call Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral, Cremation and Preplanning Services at (262) 547-4035, or go to www.waukeshafunerals.com to leave an on-line tribute.  The family would like to thank Dr. Thomas Cantieri , the Avalon Square staff and the staff on the 5th floor at Waukesha Memorial Hospital.