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Donald Leo Timmerman
Brookfield, Wisconsin
May 22, 1942 - July 19, 2026
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Donald Leo Timmerman Obituary
In Loving Memory of
Donald Leo Timmerman
May 22, 1942 - July 19, 2026
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
-Philippians 1:21
Beloved peace and justice activist Don Timmerman passed away Sunday morning, July 19, 2026, surrounded by his wife, Roberta, and his children. Don touched thousands of lives through his peace and justice activism and through the Casa Maria Catholic Worker House on Milwaukee’s near west side, a ministry he served for over 30 years. Don’s lifelong mission was to live simply and love others with Christlike compassion. Well done, Don! We’re forever grateful for you and the deep impact you’ve made on the hearts of so many people around the world.
Don grew up on a farm in Dickeyville, Wisconsin, the second of seven children born to George and Irma (née Droeszler) Timmerman. Don attended a Salvatorian Seminary high school in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, where he excelled in religious studies and athletics. He loved cross country running and basketball.
Don continued his higher education at Marquette University in Milwaukee, double majoring in English and Latin. His heart’s desire was to go where the need was greatest and at that time, he felt Africa was the place. So, in the summer of 1966, Don attended Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he studied Swahili in preparation for life on the mission field in Tanzania.
Don received his official assignment at the Vatican in Rome, then traveled to Nachingwea, Tanzania, where he trained as a missionary priest visiting local parishioners, learning their songs and customs, and observing a culture of hospitality amidst extreme poverty that left a deep impression on his life. During his time in Tanzania, Don served as a translator to Mother Teresa and worked alongside her for two years as she ministered to the sick in that area.
In 1974, after serving seven years in Tanzania, Don returned to the United States. He became aware of a growing Catholic Worker movement inspired by the teachings of Dorothy Day and others. This led him to the Casa Maria Catholic Worker House in Milwaukee where he fell in love with the founders’ mission to live simply and serve people in need of hospitality…and he decided to stay.
Don’s monthly newsletter, The Casa Cry, was a passion project of his that highlighted the need for peace and justice activism. His “Don’s Jokes” section brought levity to the newsletter, balancing out the heavy topics and statistics he shared in each issue.
Don became passionately involved in the peace and justice movement, attending and organizing anti-war protests and other peaceful demonstrations. Don practiced civil disobedience to draw attention to these causes, often spending time in jail as a result. But his passion for peace in our world only grew stronger. Don became a fixture in social justice organizations like Amnesty International Milwaukee Chapter; Milwaukee’s Westside Housing Cooperative; The Mobilization for Survival, currently known as Peace Action of Wisconsin; and a neighborhood community garden, to name a few. Don regularly participated in anti-ROTC actions at Marquette University and protested the selling of guns at local gun shops.
Apart from his volunteerism, Don made an impact on others through his work as a St. Charles Boys Home supervisor, Messmer High School religious studies teacher, and as a CNA. His love for people led to lasting friendships with many in and out of the United States.
On May 20, 1989, Don married the love of his life, Roberta Thurstin-Timmerman, at St. Benedict the Moor Parish in Milwaukee. (He proposed to her while the two were on a furniture pick-up for Casa Maria…and she said yes!) Together, they worked to blend a beautiful family and build a life centered on the teachings of Christ.
Don shared a close bond with his siblings throughout his lifetime. He was preceded in death by his sister Rosemary. His surviving siblings are Ruth (John) Uppena of Monfort, WI; Rita Thomas of Cuba City, WI; Carol Oberfoell of Dubuque, IA; Harold (Judy) Timmerman of Dubuque, IA; and Barb (Tony) Carlisle of Cottage Grove, WI.
Don is survived by his loving wife, Roberta, and their children, Tim, Jeff, Jessica, and Anne. Don and Roberta are grandparents to Danielle, Aaron, Hannah, and Cassidy (Tim and Charlotte Kroupa family); Ajala, Jaylen, Mayah, and N’jame (Jeff and Puronica Kroupa family); Brendan, Sarah, and Olivia (Jessica and Nathan Boehlke family); Paige and Lauren (Anne and Howard Williams family). Don and Roberta are great-grandparents to Daniel, Alexis, Joseph “JT,” and Treyson.
The only thing that matched the deep love Don held for his family was his passion and love for humanity. Don’s gentle heart, unwavering faith, and his love for friends and family will be remembered always. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and quiet strength that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know and love him.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Catholic mass on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Benedict the Moor Parish, 930 W State St, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A visitation and Celebration of Life will immediately follow in the lower level of the church, and a light lunch will be provided.
To watch the Funeral Service please join Zoom Meeting at the following link:
https://zoom.us/j/91556361443?pwd=T2lNLzFFbmZFVjlJZ0VFdDlKbHByZz09
-or-
Meeting ID: 915 5636 1443
Passcode: 325127
Please click on the link to see where the parking garage is https://maps.apple.com/place?map=explore&place-id=IC29541B62BFB33E&address=800+W+State+St%2C+Milwaukee%2C+WI++53233%2C+United+States&coordinate=43.043410%2C-87.922326&name=Parking+Garage&_provider=9902
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Casa Maria Catholic Worker House.
Two Ways to Donate: 1) Make out a check to “Casa Maria” & mail to Casa Maria, PO Box 05206, Milwaukee, WI 53205 2) Donate Via PayPal
[Link to this website: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=H7MAT356U9BDE&source=url&ssrt=1784511416318]
Private interment will be at Valhalla Memorial Park, Milwaukee.
Church & Chapel Funeral Service Serving the Family
Milw. 262-827-0659 Wauk. 262-549-0659
Online Obit, Condolences, Directions
www.churchandchapel.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald, please visit our floral store.
In Loving Memory of
Donald Leo Timmerman
May 22, 1942 - July 19, 2026
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
-Philippians 1:21
Beloved peace and justice activist Don Timmerman passed away Sunday morning, July 19, 2026, surrounded by his wife, Roberta, and his children. Don touched thousands of lives through his peace and justice activism and through the Casa Maria Catholic Worker House on Milwaukee’s near west side, a ministry he served for over 30 years. Don’s lifelong mission was to live simply and love others with Christlike compassion. Well done, Don! We’re forever grateful for you and the deep impact you’ve made on the hearts of so many people around the world.
Don grew up on a farm in Dickeyville, Wisconsin, the second of seven children born to George and Irma (née Droeszler) Timmerman. Don attended a Salvatorian Seminary high school in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, where he excelled in religious studies and athletics. He loved cross country running and basketball.
Don continued his higher education at Marquette University in Milwaukee, double majoring in English and Latin. His heart’s desire was to go where the need was greatest and at that time, he felt Africa was the place. So, in the summer of 1966, Don attended Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he studied Swahili in preparation for life on the mission field in Tanzania.
Don received his official assignment at the Vatican in Rome, then traveled to Nachingwea, Tanzania, where he trained as a missionary priest visiting local parishioners, learning their songs and customs, and observing a culture of hospitality amidst extreme poverty that left a deep impression on his life. During his time in Tanzania, Don served as a translator to Mother Teresa and worked alongside her for two years as she ministered to the sick in that area.
In 1974, after serving seven years in Tanzania, Don returned to the United States. He became aware of a growing Catholic Worker movement inspired by the teachings of Dorothy Day and others. This led him to the Casa Maria Catholic Worker House in Milwaukee where he fell in love with the founders’ mission to live simply and serve people in need of hospitality…and he decided to stay.
Don’s monthly newsletter, The Casa Cry, was a passion project of his that highlighted the need for peace and justice activism. His “Don’s Jokes” section brought levity to the newsletter, balancing out the heavy topics and statistics he shared in each issue.
Don became passionately involved in the peace and justice movement, attending and organizing anti-war protests and other peaceful demonstrations. Don practiced civil disobedience to draw attention to these causes, often spending time in jail as a result. But his passion for peace in our world only grew stronger. Don became a fixture in social justice organizations like Amnesty International Milwaukee Chapter; Milwaukee’s Westside Housing Cooperative; The Mobilization for Survival, currently known as Peace Action of Wisconsin; and a neighborhood community garden, to name a few. Don regularly participated in anti-ROTC actions at Marquette University and protested the selling of guns at local gun shops.
Apart from his volunteerism, Don made an impact on others through his work as a St. Charles Boys Home supervisor, Messmer High School religious studies teacher, and as a CNA. His love for people led to lasting friendships with many in and out of the United States.
On May 20, 1989, Don married the love of his life, Roberta Thurstin-Timmerman, at St. Benedict the Moor Parish in Milwaukee. (He proposed to her while the two were on a furniture pick-up for Casa Maria…and she said yes!) Together, they worked to blend a beautiful family and build a life centered on the teachings of Christ.
Don shared a close bond with his siblings throughout his lifetime. He was preceded in death by his sister Rosemary. His surviving siblings are Ruth (John) Uppena of Monfort, WI; Rita Thomas of Cuba City, WI; Carol Oberfoell of Dubuque, IA; Harold (Judy) Timmerman of Dubuque, IA; and Barb (Tony) Carlisle of Cottage Grove, WI.
Don is survived by his loving wife, Roberta, and their children, Tim, Jeff, Jessica, and Anne. Don and Roberta are grandparents to Danielle, Aaron, Hannah, and Cassidy (Tim and Charlotte Kroupa family); Ajala, Jaylen, Mayah, and N’jame (Jeff and Puronica Kroupa family); Brendan, Sarah, and Olivia (Jessica and Nathan Boehlke family); Paige and Lauren (Anne and Howard Williams family). Don and Roberta are great-grandparents to Daniel, Alexis, Joseph “JT,” and Treyson.
The only thing that matched the deep love Don held for his family was his passion and love for humanity. Don’s gentle heart, unwavering faith, and his love for friends and family will be remembered always. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and quiet strength that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know and love him.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Catholic mass on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Benedict the Moor Parish, 930 W State St, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A visitation and Celebration of Life will immediately follow in the lower level of the church, and a light lunch will be provided.
To watch the Funeral Service please join Zoom Meeting at the following link:
https://zoom.us/j/91556361443?pwd=T2lNLzFFbmZFVjlJZ0VFdDlKbHByZz09
-or-
Meeting ID: 915 5636 1443
Passcode: 325127
Please click on the link to see where the parking garage is https://maps.apple.com/place?map=explore&place-id=IC29541B62BFB33E&address=800+W+State+St%2C+Milwaukee%2C+WI++53233%2C+United+States&coordinate=43.043410%2C-87.922326&name=Parking+Garage&_provider=9902
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Casa Maria Catholic Worker House.
Two Ways to Donate: 1) Make out a check to “Casa Maria” & mail to Casa Maria, PO Box 05206, Milwaukee, WI 53205 2) Donate Via PayPal
[Link to this website: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=H7MAT356U9BDE&source=url&ssrt=1784511416318]
Private interment will be at Valhalla Memorial Park, Milwaukee.
Church & Chapel Funeral Service Serving the Family
Milw. 262-827-0659 Wauk. 262-549-0659
Online Obit, Condolences, Directions
www.churchandchapel.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald, please visit our floral store.
Events
Mass of Christian Burial
Saturday, July 25, 2026
9:30 am
St. Benedict the Moor Parish
930 W. State Street Milwaukee, Wi 53233