Donald Leroy `Hippo` Small
Donald Leroy `Hippo` Small , Age 83
Donald Leroy “Hippo” Small, age 83, of Baraboo passed away peacefully with family by his side on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at home.
Donald, son of Isaac and Ida (Fry) Small was born April 27, 1942 at home in Richland County. He attended Weston High School for a brief time and graduated Reedsburg Area High School.
He was married to Lois Kluender and to this union, four children were born; Laurie, Donald, Daniel and Linda. On September 7, 2013 he was united in marriage to Mary (Peters) Koski. Don was a school bus driver for Lamers for 34 years; he found great joy in transporting school children to and from home and sporting events for many years. He loved to be part of the student life and seeing them regularly. Besides driving school bus, he also drove milk truck for 30 years and delivered pizza for a short time for Pizza Hut. Don was a dispatcher and trained drivers for the safety office as well. He enjoyed doing puzzles, collecting miniature tractors and school buses.
Survivors include his loving wife, Mary; children, Donald (Angela) Small and Dan (Jennifer) Small; sons-in-law, Tim Boyce and John Zipsie; step-children, Jennifer (Jack) Pollitt, Dan (Stephanie) Beardsley, Sarah (Eugene) Erickson; 13 grandchildren, Brenden, Cody, Adam, Andrew, Michael, Cortney, Jordan, Megan, Noelle, Aurienne, Laura, Katherine, Elizabeth; five step-grandchildren, Brooke, Julia, Cole, Jonathan and Ethan; and two great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his brother and sister, Lester (Bonnie) Small and Dorothy Fry.
Don was preceded in death by his daughters, Laurie Boyce and Linda Zipsie; step-son, David Beardsley; siblings, David Small, Gifford Fry, Josephine Karstetter, Judy Karstetter and Margaret Ewers.
A memorial service for Don will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home with Pastor Andy Johnson officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.
To my friends and family: “God Bless You All” Love, Don
Condolences
Cecilia A Gillhouse March 02, 2026
Family Beloit , Wisconsin
Dear Jenni, Dan, and family, We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Dan’s father. We are holding you all close in our thoughts and sending you love, strength, and comfort during this incredibly difficult time. May his memory be a blessing.
Greg Lang March 02, 2026
Acquaintance Reedsburg , Wisconsin
Thanks for all the bus trips when I taught and coached. He was one of the good guys. So sorry for the loss
Terry Spencer’s March 02, 2026
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
To my friend Don. Thank you for the many years of service to the bus companies and for teaching me the fine techniques of bus driving. You were one of the best and your knowledge of roads and where students lived was a great asset. RIP my friend. I know we will meet again.
Susan Halvensleben March 02, 2026
Friend and coworker of Mary’s. Phillips , Wisconsin
You have my deepest sympathy Mary. May our Lord comfort you with his healing care. Sue Halvensleben
Ben Greenwood March 03, 2026
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
I will miss Don very much He has been a friend , Confidant and Mentor. Love And Miss You My Friend!
Pat Shear March 03, 2026
Friend of Mary Baraboo , Wisconsin
Dear Mary and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. You have been through so much for so long. While I only met Don a couple of times, I can tell he was loved and appreciated. I am wishing you all peace and strength in the days to come. Be good to yourselves and to each other.
Dennis Rose March 05, 2026
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Don was a good friend and mentor. After I retired Don talked me in to becoming a school bus driver. He taught me all aspects of the job and got me thru my CDL license requirements. We drove bus together for 10 years. I enjoyed his sense of humor and his willingness to always help. May God be with your family, Don, and grant them peace and comfort.
Elizabeth Gulden (Heiser) March 08, 2026
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
One of my favorite bus drivers in Fairfield (we were blessed with lots of great bus drivers)! He was always so sweet to treat us to cookies occasionally, and it was a honor to know him into adulthood! Thinking of you and your family Mary!!
JoDee March 10, 2026
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
My dear friend, I am glad you are at peace. I will never forget your kindness. Wishing your family comfort and solace, as they grieve your loss.
Sharon Marie Barton March 11, 2026
Classmate of Linda North Freedom , Wisconsin
So very sorry for everyone's loss. My condolences to all.