Donald Berchem "Don", age 81, of West Bend, passed away peacefully on Sunday March 15, 2015 at Cedar Community. He was born on April 1, 1933 in Fond du lac, WI to Mathias and Cecelia (nee Wirtz) Berchem. Don graduated from St. Mary's Springs Catholic High School. He went on to attend St. Norbert College in DePere and then to UW Madison where he obtained a degree in mechanical engineering. He met Rose (nee Valley) and they married on September 3, 1960.

Don served in the U.S. Army Aviation unit specializing in research and development. Don was on team Board Six, which developed aspects of rotary wing aircraft including the "Huey" helicopter. After his time in the service, Don was employed at West Bend Outboard Engines Division in Hartford. Next, he went to the FWD Corporation in Clintonville, Chrysler Corporation (formerly West Bend Company Outboard Marine Division), Harley Davidson, Chrysler Company Automotive in Beaver Dam and Ariens Company in Brillion. Don was on the City and Town Boards of West Bend. He also participated in Meals on Wheels. In his free time Don enjoyed golfing, restoring cars and tractors, and watching/attending races. He was a member of the Milwaukee Porsche Club and the 356 Porsche Club. Don enjoyed traveling for both work and leisure. Reading, music and woodworking were also interests Don had.

Don is survived by his wife of 53 years, Rose; children Tom (Donna) and Anne; sister Rosemary Berchem. Further survived by other relatives and friends. Don is preceded in death by his parents.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. Frances Cabrini Church (1025 S. 7th Ave. West Bend, WI 53095) on Wednesday March 25, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. with Father Nathan Reesman presiding. No visitation will take place prior to mass. A private visitation will be held at the Phillip Funeral Home (1420 W. Paradise Dr. West Bend, WI 53095). In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church or another foundation of your choice.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Don and Rose's friends, the staff at Cedar Community Rehab, Aurora Clinic in West Bend, Hartford Hospital and St. Luke's Hospital for all their care and compassion they provided Don throughout his journey.