Don and Mary were also some of the first supporters of the Native Vote program at our sister 501c3 organization Wisconsin Conservation Voices. They have been deeply committed to its success.
Don is remembered with love by many friends. In addition to a decade working with Wisconsin Conservation Voters, he served on the Crawford County Board where he worked with his colleagues to find practical solutions, regardless of differences in political beliefs. He served his church community and worked to facilitate healing between crime offenders and their victims through restorative justice. He did all this with a commitment to understanding, love, and forging common ground. His example is so valuable to our work as an organization and for the world in these divided times.
Not only have we lost a friend, but the Gays Mills community, Crawford County, the state of Wisconsin – especially the Driftless Area – lost one of its most ardent advocates for protecting the environment and a brighter future for all.
The Wisconsin Conservation Voters family sends our deepest condolences to Mary and the entire Stirling family. Don’s passing also serves as a reminder of how precious our time here really is, and that our commitment to one another’s health and happiness is paramount.
Rest well, dear friend, we promise to carry you with us as we face the issues you cared so much about and to protect the state and world you served so humbly and so lovingly.
