Donald John Schuenke was born on January 12, 1929 in Milwaukee. His career included roles as: Special agent, National Life of Vermont, 1958-1959; real estate representative, Standard Oil Corporation of Indiana, Milwaukee, 1959-1963; attorney, Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, 1963-1965; assistant counsel, Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, 1965-1967; assistant general counsel, Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, 1967-1974; and vice president, general counsel, secretary, Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee.

Schuenke has a Bachelor of Philosophy, Marquette University, 1950 and Bachelor of Laws, Marquette University, 1958.