grave import

Obituary

Donald Zaiser Champagne, 86, of Burlington, died at 6:34 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23, 2007, at Great River Medical Center in West Burlington. Born May 18, 1921, in Burlington, he was the son of Albert Joseph and Helen Sarah Zaiser Champagne. On July 3, 1954, he married Helen L. Salome in Burlington. She died in 1974. On May 23, 1981, he married Alice L. Henry Rudy in Burlington. She died in 2002. Mr. Champagne worked in purchasing and advertising for Chittenden and Eastman for 45 years. He was a 1939 graduate of Burlington High School. He was an Army Veteran during World War II and served in the European Theatre. He was a lifetime member of St. Luke United Church of Christ. He was also a member of American Legion Post 52 and the VFW Post 10102. He was an avid sports fan especially the Chicago Cubs. He had played on many softball teams and in many leagues. Survivors include one stepson, Dan Rudy of Princeville, Ill.; two stepdaughters, Marilyn Ward and Alice Gaskill, both of Burlington; 12 stepgrandchildren; several stepgreat-grandchildren; one sister, Mary Ann Krekel of Burlington; and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides both wives, he was preceded in death by his parents and one sister. Visitation will be from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Hass-Thielen Funeral Home, where family will receive friends from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The funeral for Mr. Champagne will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Luke United Church of Christ with the Rev. Vicki J. Engelmann officiating. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. A memorial has been established for St. Luke United Church of Christ.