Donald R. Petruzates

Donald R. Petruzates, 66, longtime resident of Mount View Care Center passed away on July 29, 2023. 

Donald was born February 3, 1957 in Wausau son of Larry Petruzates, and the late Bernetta (Bragstad) Petruzates. He was a delightful, curious  and sometimes mischievous child. He was charming in the way only a two year old can be with a charismatic smile and giggle. 

When Donnie was three years old, his parents noticed some alarming symptoms. He stiffened up while sitting in a chair and started turning the color blue. They got him into the doctors and it turned out he was suffering from epilepsy. He was having grand mal seizures and continued to for many years. The doctors were unable to find the formula to keep him seizure free. His life became a struggle for him and also for his family. When Donnie was 45 he suffered a severe stroke and was paralyzed and unable to talk. From that time, until his death he lived at Mount View Care Center in Wausau. His caretakers took good care of him and some treated him like family. 

He was a graduate of Merrill High School class of 1976, and later worked as a Security Guard. 

He is survived by his father, and four siblings: Thomas Petruzates, Jerry (Diana) Petruzates, Diane Bendrick, and Sue (Brian) Ott. He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews along with his favorite Aunt, Christine Buss, and his many caretakers. He is preceded in death by a sister Barbara Meunier and his Daughter, Melissa Petruzates. 

Visiation will be held on Monday, August 7th from 2 PM - 3 PM at Brainard Funeral Home - Weston a service will follow at 3 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the Epilepsy Foundation.