Donavon Dix

Through his faith in the Grace, Mercy and Forgiveness of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Donavon Dix has entered his home in heaven after passing peacefully at his home here on earth.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Port Edwards. Rev. Bruce Hoffman will officiate. Visitation for relatives and friends will be from 9:00 A.M. until the time of services on Saturday at the church. Military honors will follow the service on Saturday at the church. Burial will be at a later date at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Marshfield.
Donavon was born on October 6, 1939 at Riverview Hospital in Wisconsin Rapids. His parents were Lawrence William Dix Sr. and Hellen Minnie (Ott) Dix. He was raised on a dairy farm four miles west of Chili, Wisconsin.
He attended Granton High School graduating in May 1957. Upon graduation, Donavon joined the United States Marine Corps proudly serving his country from June 10, 1957 through June 10, 1960. The majority of his military service was spent on Okinawa. Following his time in service he returned to farm with his parents.
On December 27, 1960, Donavon had his first date with Carol Jean Bubolz, who would become his lifetime love and partner on July 8, 1961. They would move off the farm in March, 1962. During their 64 years of marriage (would have been 65 this July), they were blessed with two wonderful children, Debra Jean and Donavon Alan.
Donavon began his forty years of employment with then Nekoosa Edwards Paper Company on March 2, 1962. He started as a laborer in the Port Edwards wet room. In 1965 he transferred to work in the office and spent 16 years in accounting. During this time he served several years as President of the Office and Professional International Union. In 1981 he joined the Human Resources Department retiring in June 2002 from Domtar Papers as Human Resources Supervisor.
Donavon was active in sports, playing baseball, basketball and volleyball. He was a huge Brewers, Packers, and Wisconsin Badger fan. During the 1960’s and 1970’s he played handball and racquetball including tournaments throughout the state. He also enjoyed golf with friends.
Donavon loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing the East Fork of the Black River and going to Canada. Whitetail deer hunting (bow and rifle) up north was looked forward to for the past 35+ years. Donavon always had a dream of someday hunting and fishing with his grandchildren. That dream was realized and he had the most wonderful years spending time with Donavon and Jayden. They kept him young and active. Donavon was active in the community having served as president of the Wisconsin Rapids Personnel Club and the Wisconsin Rapids Management Club. He served as Nekoosa Mill chairman for the United Way in 1992, 1993, and 1994. He also served on the Port Edwards YMCA Board of Directors. For many years he coached Maiden softball, Little League baseball and American Legion baseball. Donavon and Carol volunteered at Bethesda Thrift Store, the local food pantry, and Neighborhood Table. Since 1965, Donavon was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Port Edwards. He served on the Board of Elders for many years. He also served as congregation chairman, vice-chairman and on the Board of Education. He was a Sunday School teacher for 20 years and Sunday School Superintendent for many of those. For more than 25 years he served as chairman of Trinity’s Fishermen’s Club. He was proud of his venison suppers prepared for the club’s annual meeting. Donavon enjoyed singing and was a member of Trinity’s choir for 40 plus years.
Donavon and Carol enjoyed many trips together including Hawaii, Mexico, New York, Washington D.C. and Las Vegas. Most of all, in their senior years they enjoyed Sunday afternoon dancing and the friends they met.
Life on Lake Camelot was a dream come true, beautiful sunsets, pontoon rides, cross-country skiing and ice skating along with ice-fishing.
For over 60 years a constant companion was his brother-in-law Chuck Bubolz as they enjoyed God’s great outdoors together. Thank you, Chuck.
Donavon is survived by his wife, Carol; daughter Debra (Joe) of Nekoosa; son Donavon of Plover; two grandchildren: Donavon Aaron Dix and Jayden Christian Duehlmeier; brother Rodney (Corrine) Dix; sisters-in-law: Connie Dix, JoAnn (Ron) Steltenpohl, and Marlene (Jim) Melbinger; brother-in-law Chuck (Kathy) Bubolz; and many nieces and nephews. Donavon is preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Helen Dix; brother Larry Dix; sister Judy Dix; and his father and mother-in-law Vernon and Marion Bubolz.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, 990 3rd St., Port Edwards, WI 54469.
The family would like to thank Compassus Hospice for the love and care they provided.
Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family.
Semper Fi.
Donavon, it was an honor to be your wife, best friend and your soul mate. God truly blessed me when he brought you into my life. I will love and cherish you all the days of my life. Till we meet again! Sweet Love, Carol