Donald F. Nussbaum

Donald F. Nussbaum, 94 years old, passed peacefully at the Willapa Care Center on Tuesday July 28, 2026.

He was born Jan. 6, 1932, in Raymond, to parents Francis (Frans) Nussbaum and Mary Pfeffer. Don was a first generation American as his parents were immigrants from Austria before WWI.

Don’s father became a naturalized citizen at the Pacific County Courthouse in 1909.

Don attended Raymond and Willapa Valley schools and graduated from Willapa Valley H.S. in 1949. He worked at odd jobs until being hired by Weyerhaeuser Sawmill in 1951.

He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force April 23, 1952 and served for 4 years. After boot camp in Cheyenne, Wyoming he was stationed at Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo, Texas.

While home on leave in 1952 he met Emma Dewey at a high school basketball game. After some persuasion she went on a date with him. He went back to San Angelo, Texas to serve out his time in the Air Force, and after Emma graduated from Raymond H.S. in 1953, he sent for her and they were married in her home town of Cheyenne, Oklahoma, on Aug. 22, 1953. Don retired from Weyerhaeuser Sawmill in Raymond on Nov. 30, 1994.

The couple had seven children: Doug (Georgia), Dewey (Coni), Robert (Kelly), Mike (Sandy), Dave (Peggy), Brian (Amy), and Kathryn. Also surviving Don are 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

His brother William preceded him in death.

Don was an avid fisherman and hunter, and loved to be outdoors. He had a sideline of providing fire wood to the general public after his retirement.

He enjoyed teaching his sons about all things outdoors, camping, fishing, hunting. He raised raspberries and had numerous fruit trees on his property.

When forced indoors he would watch NFL and NBA games while eating Emma’s wonderful meals.

Our family would like to thank all the staff at the Willapa Care Center for their dedicated care for our Dad. You all made his last months comfortable with your caring.

At his request there will be no service.