Donald L. Close, 82, of Eldorado, died on Saturday, July 15, 2006, at St. Agnes Hospital, Fond du Lac.

He was born on July 17, 1923, a son of Lucian and Laura Roth Close, on his family’s farm in Woodhull. It became a Cen-tury Farm in 1976 and has been in the family for 130 years.

Donald was a 1941 graduate of Rosendale High School .

On Jan. 31, 1953, he married Geraldine M. Hinkes.

He was a former member of Eldorado Congregational Church, which is now preserved at the Galloway House and Village Museum.

Donald was a former FFA member, 4-H leader and a past president of the North Lamartine Cemetery Association.

He was currently a member of the Experimental Aircraft As-sociation and Fox Valley Two Cylinder Club.

Donald was passionate about farming and old tractors. He was a man who cared for others and dearly loved his family.

In addition to his wife, Geraldine, he is survived by a daughter, Catherine (Bob) Tolsma of Fond du Lac; two sons, Donald "Ted" Close and David Close, both of Eldorado; two grandsons, Mark and James Tolsma; two sisters, Lorraine Rabe of North Fond du Lac and Ruth (Jack) Meier of Eden; a sister-in-law, Dorris Close of California; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents; four sisters, Ada Barfknecht, Edna Bartz, Eleanor Morris and Jeanette Phillips; and one brother, Leonard Close.

A private family service will be held at Mach Funeral Chapel, Fond du Lac, with Deacon Paul Monzel officiating. Burial will follow at North Lamartine Cemetery.