Donald Moehrke, son of Bernard and Bernice Moehrke, brother to James Moehrke and Gail Saulys, uncle to Kim Rhine, Janise Saulys and Joseph Saulys, passed away on September 13th, 2024, from a sudden illness.
Don is preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Bernice and his brother James.
Don was a man who did not listen when the word “never” was used. When he was born the doctors said he would never live. Don defied the odds and did live.
The doctors said Don would never stand or walk. Once again he refused to listen to the word “never.” Don did stand and walk after his grandfather designed and built a walker in which Don could stand and walk during his pre-school ages.
Next the doctors said he could never go to school because his disability was too great. Don proved the doctors wrong again, first attending Jane Vernon elementary/secondary school. Then graduating from Temper High School, then graduating from Parkside University, and finally graduating from Carthage College earning his Master’s degree.
He was the told he would never get a job teaching. Again, Don proved to the doubters that he did not believe in “never” and started teaching at Bradford High School as a math teacher for many years. He would also tutor students in his home. At least twice a week there would be a student and Don sitting at the dining room table going over algebra, trigonometry and/or geometry. Even after his retirement students would call and ask Don to help them with their math. His door was always open to any student who needed extra math tutoring. However, the most important lesson he ever taught was to us, his family. He taught us the “never” is to always be ignored, because when we ignore it we could accomplish anything.
Don’s love of music was only exceeded by his love of sports. All his life he was an avid sports fan. The Cubs, Brewers, and Packers were his favorites. Don was a living sports computer and could recite the stats on all his favorite and opposing teams and players. He would also know the personal stories behind the players and was happy to share his knowledge with his many friends and family.
Don was the president of the Cerebral Palsy Organization for many years. His advocacy for handicap accessible entrances resulted in the public buildings in Kenosha installing accessible entrances and automatic doors for people in wheelchairs and walkers.
We would sincerely like to thank all the staff at The Legacy at St. Joseph’s for their care and love they showed to Don during the last years of his life.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
