August 19, 1953 – March 14, 2026
Donald Ray Fuller, 72, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, passed away at home, surrounded by the love of his family, on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Don was born August 19, 1953, in Waukegan, Illinois, and graduated from Zion-Benton High School in 1971. After giving college a try for a year, he decided it wasn’t for him — so he famously hitchhiked home. It was classic Don: determined, a little adventurous, and always with a good story to tell.
Don spent his entire professional career in the glass industry, dedicating many years to Anchor Glass and Ball Foster Glass before retiring from Ardagh Group. He took pride in his work and in providing for the family he loved so deeply.
Don is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Janice; his children, Tricia Henoch (Tim Paar) and Nick Fuller; his grandchildren, Brooklyn Henoch (Chase Allen) and Keegan Stewart; his bonus granddaughter, Brooke Paar; and his four amazing great-grandchildren, Jaiden, Olianna, Avery, and Nora Allen. He is also survived by his brother, Doug “Lesser” Fuller; sisters-in-law, Paula Yurchak and Laura Lorenzen; and many nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Don.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Ray and Sheila Fuller; his sister, Phyllis; his sister-in-law, Claudia Mann; his brother-in-law, Bill Yurchak; and his in-laws, Edward and Marge Lorenzen.
Don was a proud husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather (PoPo) who loved nothing more than spending time with his family and watching them grow. His greatest joy was being surrounded by them — sharing stories, laughter, and making memories together.
Don had a way of bringing people together. If music was playing and a cold Coors Light was nearby, chances are Don was enjoying the moment. One of his favorite places was his garage — proudly known to friends and family as “Don’s Bar & Grill.” A close second was The Tropics Restaurant, where good food, cold drinks, and even better company were always guaranteed.
He loved cooking on the grill and turning the music up to a level most people would consider unnecessary. Concerts — especially Eric Church — were a favorite, along with Brewers games and tailgating, trips to Summerfest, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers (he was a proud owner). If the sun was shining and the weather was warm, that’s exactly where he wanted to be — outside with the people he loved most.
Though Don was a quiet man, his love ran deep, and his presence meant everything to those who knew him. He will be remembered in every backyard cookout, every song played a little too loud, every Packers game day, and every time the grill gets fired up, and family and friends gather together. In those simple moments — music playing, the grill going, and the people he loved nearby — that’s exactly where Don will always be.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to the entire team at Hospice Alliance for their extraordinary care and compassion. There are no words to express what a special organization this is.
A special thank you to Matt “Dukes” Braun of Kenosha Funeral Services, who is not only a trusted professional but also a close family friend, for his care and support during this time.
A Celebration of Life will be held at The Tropics Restaurant, 301 North Point Drive, Winthrop Harbor, IL 60096 on Friday, March 27, from 4 pm to 8 pm. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and celebrate Don the way he would have wanted — surrounded by good music, good food, and the people he loved most.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family and will be placed into certificates of deposit for Don’s great-grandchildren — Jaiden, Olianna, Avery, and Nora — to be held until they turn 18. It’s our hope that one day it can help them with something meaningful, like their first car or education — a lasting gift from their PoPo to the little ones he loved so much.
