Donald Pagni

Donald P. Pagni, age 79, of Lancaster, passed away on Monday, October 24, 2016, at Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque. He was born on January 3, 1937, the son of Arnold and Maria (Zarlenga) Pagni. Donald graduated from Lane Tech High School and furthered his education at the Cosmopolitan School of Music and Roosevelt University, both in Chicago, earning a Master's degree in Music. In April of 1962, he was united in marriage to Lee Ann Hilgoe. Three children were born to this union: Michael, Lisa and Daniel. Donald was employed as a liquor store manager in the Chicago suburbs and later in Dodgeville. He moved to Lancaster in 1988 where he taught music privately in the Lancaster Community. Don shared his musical gift with thousands. He accompanied countless high school and middle school students, played for many weddings and funerals, and volunteered his talents at Orchard Manor Nursing Home. Donald served as the musician/sound technician for the Lancaster Community Players, was the librarian for the Lancaster Community Band and played with the Larry Busch Band. His talent and presence in the Lancaster community will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his three children: Michael (Lynette) Pagni, Dodgeville; Lisa (Tom) Nicolai, Lancaster; Daniel (Tara) Pagni, Wheaton, IL; seven grandchildren: Angelynn, Michael (Britney), Brandon, and Jonathan Pagni; Jacob (Fianc Amber Wilson) Iverson; Mabrie and Marcus Pagni; one great-grandchild, Damon and one on the way.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services were on Saturday, October 29, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory, 1234 S Madison, Lancaster, WI, with Pastor Mark Hoehne officiating. Private family burial will be at a later date. Family and friends called on Friday, October 28, 2016, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home where an 8:00 p.m. musical tribute orchestrated by the Larry Busch Band was held. Friends also called on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.