Sally my deepest condolences go out to you, Emily, Elliott and your entire family . Please know that I am praying for you and the family during this very difficult time.  May God continue to comfort and keep you.

I met Don when I was a lawyer and involved with the Seventh Circuit Bar Association. By that time, he lived and worked in Illinois, but he was so very proud of his Wisconsin roots and connections. He rarely failed to mention them, and he worked to maintain his connections with the Wisconsin legal community. For many years he served on the board of directors of the Eastern District of Wisconsin Bar Association. He was kind to and supportive of newer lawyers and, if you were lucky enough to know him, as many did, he made practicing in front of the esteemed Seventh Circuit seem less overwhelming and intimidating. He was a friend to many judges, including to me after I became a judge. But I knew that Don wasn't kind to me because of my position--I'd known him for years before I became a judge and he was kind to me just because that's who he was. His friends and colleagues in Wisconsin will miss him greatly. I am grateful to have known him.

Don and I grew up together in Prairie du Chien. We were together 
in our formative years at St. John’s Grade School and Campion 
Jesuit High School. Don and the entire Wall family were/are  quality 
people. I last saw Don at our 30th High School reunion. We spoke for a very long time. For us it was picking up where we left off. Time met nothing. Don was obviously very bright, caring and possessed a good sense of humor. I will miss not conversing with him again. May God 
bless and keep him close. To all the Wall family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jonathan “Sarge”  & Carol Preston

I knew Don before, during, and after my time in the Federal Defender's office in Wisconsin. He was a welcome, and welcoming, presence at 219 S. Dearborn. His pride in his Wisconsin ties made both Chicago and the bruising business of that building less intimidating; so it seemed to me. In all, I was and am grateful for Don's humane approach to people and to the work of the federal courts. That open humanity, with humility an essential part of it, is much less common than it should be in courthouses. 

Well done, Don. You deserve rest. 

I trust, too, that Don will remain within, and beside, his family. Unseen, yes, but present all the same.

I met Don when I was a law clerk and continued a friendship with him after that. Every oral argument, he’d come out and say hi, tell a few jokes, and catch up. He was so warm and kind—in the midst of the pressure of court his presence was welcomed and something I looked forward to. 

What made Don so special wasn’t just the jokes and reassurance that “you got this,” it was how much he cared. He (it seemed) always had an intern from Marquette, and he’d bring them along and introduce them. And often, he’d ask that we’d get coffee or lunch after argument to give the intern advice or just talk about the case. In those interactions, you could tell he cared about them. He was truly invested. And he reciprocated that generous spirit with others. When I brought an intern or an associate or (on one occasion) my son, Don took the time to talk to them, give them a tour, and make them feel special. Twice, he gave them “backstage” tours. It was all so sincere and beautiful that it spoke to his heart—he was magnanimous. 

More than that, Don was also someone who shared a beautiful optimism of life and people. That was reflected in many conversations, but two I remember most. One was when his daughter was getting married and he talked about how excited he was and how much he valued this experience—though he bemoaned the cost. The other was talking about his wife and kids’ and grandkids’ lives and a family vacation they were taking. It was so much more than a detail; it represented a person who loved life and his family. 

The world was a richer place with Don Wall in it. I will truly miss him. And I hope that I will always treat others with the same generous heart as he did. He was a great example for everyone to emulate.

So very sorry to hear this. Don was a long-term cherished court colleague and friend. Don was always positive and a true pleasure to be around.  May his memory be a blessing to his wife Sally and the entire extended Wall family. Don will be deeply missed.  Gary Wente

Mrs. Wall, Emily, and Elliott- my mother and I want to extend our sincerest condolences on your loss. Mr. Wall was such a kind man who always welcomed me. I cherish the memories spent sharing time with your family; trip to Door County, ice skating for Emily’s birthday, playing at the house, and so many more. I hope the beautiful memories that you have shared can comfort you in this difficult time.

Ashley Herman (Sullivan)  and Lisa Villalobos

OBITUARY

Donald Joseph Wall

October 4, 1952 – May 15, 2026

Andrew J. McGann & Son Funeral Home

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