Donald Max Jaworski, 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at a local hospital. The son of Max and Lottie (Polehonki) Jaworski, Don was born on April 18, 1941, in Pulaski.

Don grew up on a small farm in Pulaski and graduated from Pulaski High School with the Class of 1959. Following high school, he served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves while pursuing his higher education. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls and later received his Master’s in Education from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

In November of 1966, Don met Dianne Koeller on a blind date at a bowling alley in downtown Polka Capital Pulaski. Don was a proud owner of a 1965 convertible Mustang. Someone commented “This mustang isn’t a good car for a first date–How do you get close in bucket seats?” On August 5, 1967, they married in Potosi, Wisconsin. They raised five children while operating two dairy farms in Pittsfield and Chase and sent all five onto higher education along with a robust understanding of hard work, loyalty, and faith.

Education was one of Don’s utmost values and a true passion at which he excelled. He spent his career in teaching and educational administration, serving two years in Allegan, Michigan, six years in West Bend, and 39 years at NWTC. Don started many of the NWTC programs from the ground up. He had an instrumental hand in educating thousands of students who walked through the school doors and giving them the skills needed to successfully compete in the job market.

Don was also a “people person.” Don possessed the skills to talk to just about anyone and on just about any topic but his favorite was discussing farming. Anytime he was out and about he seemed to know somebody and strike up a conversation. Don was excellent at working with people and bringing them together to come up with innovative ideas and solving complicated problems. Don approached work with a kind leadership and positive attitude which helped accomplish many of his ambitions.

Don was instrumental in establishing the Green Bay Botanical Garden as one of five co-founders. He was an active member of the Wisconsin Teachers Association, the Wisconsin Association of Vocational Agricultural Instructors and the Wisconsin FFA, as well as a passionate advocate for organic agriculture and lifelong learning.

In his free time, Don was an avid reader who never missed the Agri View or the Green Bay Press-Gazette. A longtime member of Ss. Edward & Isidore Parish, he faithfully served as both an usher and a catechist. He also loved cheering on his beloved Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers.

Survivors include his loving wife of 59 years, Dianne; five children: Brain (Corrine) Jaworski, of Milwaukee; Jill Anderson, of Pulaski (fiancé Jeff Teschke, of Suamico); Jason (Jacquelyn) Jaworski, of Ripon; Gina (David) Reinhard, of Madison; and Andy Jaworski, of Pulaski; grandchildren: Makenna, Max, Emma, Freddy, Sonia, Charlotte, and Lydia; his brothers: Ken (Christin) Jaworski and Chris (Cheryl) Jaworski; sisters: Audrey Lloyd; Linda (Tom) Pecht-Jaworski; two sisters-in-law: Janice (Larry) Ploessl and Ruth (Dan) Bailey; a brother-in-law, Richard (Cindy) Koeller; and many nieces, nephews, and other family.

In addition to his parents, Max and Lottie, he was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Marie Schmitz; brother, Dale Jaworski; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Fred and Dorothy Koeller; and many uncles, aunts, dear cousins and other family members.

Friends are invited to gather with family at Ss. Edward & Isidore Church, 3667 Flintville Rd., Suamico, on Wednesday, September 23, from 9-11 a.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. with Fr. Scott Valentyn presiding. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to the Green Bay Botanical Gardens or the Wisconsin Parkinson’s Association.

A special thank you goes out to the nurses at St. Mary’s Hospital, the staff at Rennes Health & Rehabilitation, the SS Edward & Isidore Parkinson’s Support Group and to all of Don’s family and friends who were by his side and supported him all the way to the end.

Online condolences may be offered to the Jaworski family at www.marnochafuneralhome.com or on the Marnocha Funeral Home Facebook page.