Donald McNicol Obituary (2024)
Donald L. "Pierre" McNicol
November 25, 1940 - June 25, 2024
COLUMBUS - Donald L. "Pierre" McNicol, age 83, died on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at Columbus Health and Rehab.
He was born on November 25, 1940, in Poynette to Donald and Frances (Manthe) McNicol. He was married to Diana Bunn on May 29, 1965, and together raised five children. Pierre and Diana were married for 57 wonderful years, and spent all of them in Columbus.
Pierre, a graduate of Madison Area Technical College's two-year quality food program, began his career in 1959 as Head Chef at Ed Gabe's Lost Lake Resort in Sayner. After one year in northern Wisconsin, he worked as Head Chef at the Tracey Hotel in Platteville.
In 1961, with the recommendation of his college instructor, he applied for and accepted the Head Chef position at the Country Inn in Columbus. This is where he was introduced to the salad girl; a beautiful, long-legged lady he fell in love with, married and was proud to call his wife.
After 13 years at the Country Inn, Pierre returned to his alma mater, to teach Culinary Arts. He was a full time Chef Instructor at MATC until his retirement day, January 2, 1999. Pierre's contributions made an impact to the education of his students at MATC and the food service industry.
Pierre enjoyed catering events with Diana, Friday night races at Columbus 151 Speedway, fishing trips to Canada and Lake Erie, deer hunting and spending time with his dear friends on Lake Mason in Briggsville.
He was also a huge NASCAR fan, and had the opportunity to drive his own stock car, representing the Sun Prairie Lions Club. In 2009, he was voted Driver of the Year.
Survivors include four sons: Scott (Helen) of Waterloo, Robb of DeForest, Mike of Janesville, Pat (Jessica) of Columbus; one daughter, Dana (Gary) Loken of DeForest; eleven grandchildren: Cori (Ben), Casey, Cody, Kayla (Benny), Kaitlyn, Riley, Raena, Kaiden, Jordyn, Jayda, Jasmyn; ten great-grandchildren: Leirik (Caleb), Cael, Davien, Emma, Levi, Jaiden, Cason, James, and two baby girls on the way; a brother, Duane McNicol of Lake Mills; and a sister, Diane McNicol (Debbie) of DeForest; other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Diana; parents, Donald and Dorothy; mother, Frances; in-laws, Melvin and Hilda Bunn.
A Celebration of his Life will be held from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at the Columbus Country Club.
A special thank you to the staff at Columbus Health and Rehab for their compassionate care and kindness. To his family and dear friends that took the time to visit and call Dad, we thank you for your love and friendship; those times meant more to him than you will ever know.
We know our parents will be looking down on all of us while enjoying a cold Old Style. So the next time you're thinking about their laughter, raise your drink to them and tell them to "Give it a good home."
Please share your online condolences with Pierre's family at jensenfuneralandcremation.com .
Jensen Funeral & Cremation
