Donald Pumper

Donald Eugene Pumper, 95, of Milledgeville died Sunday, June 11, 2023, at CGH Medical Center. Donald was born December 9, 1927, in Fairhaven Township, the son of Walter and Emma (Schuchard) Pumper. He married Diane Long on March 14, 1954 in Dixon; she preceded him in death on August 25, 2008. He served in the United States Army from 1955-1957.

Survivors include four daughters, Melody Guthrie of Oneida, IL, Penny (Russell) Newendyke of Milledgeville, IL, Donna (Jordan) Haines of Olympia, WA and Julia Shinault of Dixon, IL. Grandchildren, Natalie (Dustin) Ingle, Megan (Ricky) Ramsey, Philip (Jen) Newendyke, Rachel (Edwin) Greenwood, Kristin (Larry) Suher, Ryan Roberts, Jordan (Jessica) Haines, Christian Bozarth, Grant (Tiffany) Lawson, Zachary Lawson, Danielle (Ian) Lawson, plus 20 great grandchildren.

The family moved to the farm in Milledgeville when Don was 7. At the young age of 21 after the passing of his father, Don dedicated his life to working and caring for the family farm. His strong bond with the land and his commitment to hard work defined him as a farmer. He loved God, taking care of his family, livestock, farm tractors and equipment. Although Don is the last of the “Pumper” name, his legacy will live on in the family left behind and will be deeply missed.

Funeral services will be 11AM Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Schilling Funeral Home in Sterling. Visitation will be from 10AM-11AM one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Burial will be at South Elkhorn Cemetery, Milledgeville.

The family ask in lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.