Donald "Frog" Nolen

Donald E. “Frog” Nolen

On October 19, 2023, Donald “Frog” Nolen of Harvard and most recently Walworth, WI, passed away at Sage Meadows Memory Care Facility in Lake Geneva, WI. He was 82.

Yes, his real name was Donald, much to the surprise of many who only knew him by the nickname “Frog”, given to him as a little boy by his bus driver.

Frog was born November 22, 1940, to Roy and Helen (Maynard) Nolen in Shawneetown, IL. The family moved to Harvard in 1957. He worked for Ferris Bros in the body shop, Material Service and Motor Service in Harvard until he bought a Standardbred racehorse in 1973. He then began a career training and racing horses.

Frog married MaryAnn Raupp in January 1961. Together, they raised three children: Donnie, Daryl, and Diana.

Frog loved spending time with family and friends and could often be found on a barstool at Bopp’s laughing, arguing, and telling stories. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. He loved country music and was known for “cutting a rug” at family weddings doing the Shawneetown Shuffle. He proudly cheered for his children and grandchildren at their various sporting events, often challenging referee’s calls. He was proud of his family and his southern roots.

He is survived by his children: Donnie (Carolyn) Nolen, Daryl (Jackie) Nolen, and Diana (Patrick) Jenkins. Grandchildren: Megan (Daniel) Johnson, Collin (Taylor Gallagher) Nolen, Justin (Lauren) Nolen, Jennie, Rachael, and Kristen Nolen, and Lucas Morris. Siblings: Jack Nolen, Jim “Shawnee” (Ann) Nolen, Sue (Donnie) Showers, Brenda Lester, Larry (Sharon) Nolen and brother-in-law Ray “Perk” Baldwin. He is also survived by his former wife MaryAnn Nolen, former son-in-law Steve Morris and numerous nieces and nephews that he loved to see and spend time with.

He was predeceased by his parents, brother John “Bubby” Nolen, sisters Betty Nolen and Barbara Baldwin, sister-in-law Kathern Nolen and brother-in-law Danny Lester.

Please join the family for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, November 11th from 2-6pm at the Harvard Moose Lodge. The family requests no flowers, simply enjoy family and friends like Frog did.

Burial will be private at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Harvard.

Friends and family may sign the online guestbook at www.saundersmcfarlin.net

For more information, please call Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home, (815) 943-5400.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.