Donald F. Counard

Donald F. Counard, 85, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 with his family by his side. A longtime resident of Sebring, moving from Wisconsin in 1983. Donald was a very loving husband, father and grandfather and will be dearly missed. Donald was born on May 6, 1931 in Milwaukee, WI. to Ronald and Anna (Stieb) Counard, the oldest of two children. Donald was united in marriage on April 3, 1983 to his loving wife Priscilla Counard, where they shared 34 years of beautiful marriage and blended 7 loving children together. Donald had the most amazing "witty" humor that formed many smiles and laughter throughout his life and up until his last days. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Air Force in 1949 and served during the Korean War era. After the service in 1960, Donald became a police officer for the Menomonee Falls, WI. Police Department where he later retired as a Captain of the department of 23 years of loyal service. Donald loved children, where he earned the nickname on the beat he walked for many years as "Sparky". In 1965 he received the Outstanding Young Man Award from the Menomonee Falls Jaycees for outstanding community activities. Donald was also chosen in 1966 to be in the edition of Outstanding Young Men of America publication. After retirement Donald moved to Florida with his loving wife and daughter, Faith. Donald later became a Guardian Ad Litem and made special bonds with the families he was chosen to represent. He was also a driver in 1985 for the Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home in Sebring, FL. Donald was a boxer and a Golden Glove recipient and played Semi-Pro football. He especially enjoyed watching his "Green Bay Packers". Donald enjoyed working outside and around the home he built in Florida. He was an avid motorcycle rider with his friends and buddies: Robert, Gill, "Squeaky", and Frank, and others where they had experienced many adventures. Donald was preceded in death by his parents: Ronald and Anna Counard; brother Doug Counard and great granddaughter Nora Spinler. His survivors include his beautiful, devoted, loving wife: Priscilla (Arthur) (Spinler) Counard of Sebring Fl.; Sister-n-law: Gloria (Arthur) Cole (Bruce); eight children: Sherrilyn Greiger Kopkau (Gary) of Troy, MI., Jeannine Counard-Smiley (Jeff) of Lakeville, MN, Jeff Counard (Beth) of Sheboygan, WI, Donald Counard (Sara) of Horicon, WI., Debbie Splinter (Rich) of Sheboygan, WI., Laralynn Webster (Kenneth) of Hartford, WI., Scott Spinler (Terri) of Sobieski, WI., and Faith (Spinler) Blount of Sebring, FL., 14 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Services are as follows: Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home & Crematory - 4001 Sebring Parkway - Sebring, FL. 33870; Visitation at 10:00 a.m. and Mass to follow at 11:00 a.m.