Donald J. Sunie, 56, of Rockford, and a former Town of Carey, Hurley, Wis. resident, died Thursday, March 25, 2010, in his home, surrounded by his loving wife, mother, and stepson, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.      Don was born May 11, 1953, in Ironwood, Mich., the son of Charlotte (Steele) and the late John Sunie. He attended Hurley schools and graduated from J.E. Murphy High School with the Class of 1971. He excelled in cross country running and earned the nickname "Paavo" from his friends.      After high school, he worked in the logging industry for several years and in the White Pine mine. He co-owned a logging business in Pittsville, Wis. for 17 years and worked as a machinist at Textron in Rockford for 32 years. He was a hard worker, and the go-to man when they needed something done right.      Don was an avid sports fan. He loved the Brewers, and was a loyal Packer backer, even through the lean and hungry years. His understanding of the game and his knowledge of players and statistics was amazing. He loved to watch sports, read about sports, and talk about sports with friends and family. In quiet times, he enjoyed word puzzles and cryptograms. Don loved the mountains of Alaska, Colorado, and Wyoming. He was a true outdoorsman. He enjoyed many hunting and fishing expeditions, including mule deer hunting in Wyoming and muskie tournaments in Wisconsin. He was always drawn back to Hurley, however, bringing his friends from Rockford up to Hurley to enjoy skiing. He always made it a point to be present at all important family events, and even three weeks ago, was planning to plant his garden this spring and attend the annual Sunie family reunion on July 4th. Don was a wonderful husband, son, brother, and uncle, and a loyal friend.      Nine years ago, he met the love of his life, Rosa M. Rodriquez. They were married on July 29, 2006. She survives.      Also surviving are his mother, Charlotte Sunie, Town of Carey, Hurley; a son, Jonathan Hames, Minocqua, Wis.; a stepson, Diego Delatorre, Rockford; six sisters, Catherine (Robert) Brewster, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Jeanette (Charles) Splonskowski, Town of Carey, Hurley; Linda (Eugene) Korpi, Eau Claire, Wis.; Carol (Guy) Colasacco, South Burlington, Vt.; Diane (Harlan) Yanke, Waunakee, Wis.; and Debra (James) Karvonen, Superior, Wis.; numerous nieces and nephews; six sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law; and one aunt, two uncles, and many cousins.      Besides his father, John, who died Sept. 3, 2004, Donald was preceded in death by an infant brother, Frederick.      Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 1, at 11 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church in Hurley, with the Rev. Don Nickolson officiating.      Committal and interment will follow in the Hurley Cemetery.      Luncheon will be served at the Iron Nugget in downtown Hurley immediately upon return from the cemetery.      Relatives and friends may call at the church one hour prior to the service on Thursday.      Pallbearers will be Rich Rintala, Bill Thompson, Joe Robinson, John Maslanka, Tony Furyk and Mike Abraham.      In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.       To view Donald's obituary online, sign the guestbook and express condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.      Arrangements are entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home Inc., Ironwood.