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Griesbach, Donald J.
Donald Griesbach, age 86, passed away on May 3, 2013, at his home from the loving arms of his family and into the waiting arms of Jesus. Don was born on March 16, 1927 in Menasha, WI, the son of William and Susan (Hauser) Griesbach. Don married Sally Stadler in Appleton in September, 1949. He was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Menasha. Don enlisted in the U.S. Army serving in Italy during WWII. After working at Banta Publishing Company in Menasha for 28 years, Don formed his own company, Five-Star Photo Typesetting Company, with four partners and was the company president. He was a life-long supporter of the City of Menasha and proudly served as an alderman for many years. He also worked as a Winnebago County Supervisor for several years. Don was actively involved in establishing and helping to build the Heckrodt Wetland Preserve in Menasha. He took great joy in watching it grow and was especially pleased in seeing the enjoyment school-age children got when they visited Heckrodt. One of Don's favorite hobbies which he enjoyed his whole life, was raising, training and racing homing pigeons. He loved seeing the fascination in the eyes of visitors, especially kids, when they came to see him in his pigeon coop. He enjoyed the cottage that he built in Redgranite. His family has many happy memories of the time they spent there. Don was an avid sports fan. He loved watching the Packers and Brewers games with his family.
Don is survived by his wife, Sally Griesbach; three sons: Steve (Teresa) Griesbach, Menasha; Mike (Barb) Griesbach, Harvard, MA; Jim Griesbach, Menasha; two daughters: Mary Griesbach, Menasha; Patty Griesbach, Menasha; two brothers: William (Joan) Griesbach, Milwaukee; Dr. Robert Griesbach, Delavan, WI; two sisters: Virginia Swichtenberg, Menasha; Donna Mahoney, Menasha; four grandchildren. Don was preceded in death and carried in his heart the loving memories of his daughter, Marian, who died shortly after birth, his son, Greg, who died at 18 in a car accident, his two brothers: Norman (Katie) Griesbach; Dr. Marc (Mary) Griesbach; and one sister: Sister Donna Griesbach (SSND).
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 7, 2013, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 528 Second Street, Menasha; with Father Bill Swichtenberg officiating. Friends and family may visit at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Private interment will take place at St. Mary Cemetery, Menasha.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
My Deepest sympathies go out to Sally, Mike, Jim, Steve, Mary, Patty, and all the loved ones of Don. I will always remember him as a citizen's advocate and a very loving family man. He had a quick smile and warm heart for all. He is greatly missed and loved by all. My prayers are with you, God Bless You All.
Ken Shearer
July 5, 2013
I just heard about Don passing and wanted to pass on my sympathy to his family. He was a very kind man. I know him from the WC Emergency Management Committee; he was the chairman for many years. Don talked about his family with such pride.
Rest in peace Don.
Sue Verwey
May 23, 2013
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Griesbach's passing. Mary, you look just like your father. Please accept my sincerest sympathies. Take good care.
Stacy Parish, Menasha Senior Center
May 7, 2013
My deepest condolences to Sally and the Griesbach family. Don accomplished much and was very well respected.
Ronald Griesbach
May 7, 2013
Dear Sally and Family,
We were saddened to hear of your loss and will always remember Uncle Donny as a kind and gentle soul with a great sense of humor and a welcoming heart. Such a wonderful life!
Love and prayers,
Kathy (daughter of Marc and Mary Griesbach) and Tom Lewis and Family (South Carolina)
kathy lewis
May 6, 2013
Aunt Sally and all the Griesbachs -- I am so sorry to hear about the death of Uncle Don. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time, but also know he's got some great company waiting to welcome him with open arms. -- Jean Mahoney Shaw & family
Jean Mahoney Shaw
May 6, 2013
The staff and students of St. Mary Central High School send thoughts and prayers to Sally and the Griesbach family on the passing of Don, a member of the St Mary's class of 1948.
May 6, 2013
Sally, My heartfelt sympathy to you, your children and extended family. It is always so hard to lose someone that you love. What a beautiful obit and tribute to him. May he RIP.
Joanne Stadler-Willems
May 5, 2013
Don started the Ad Hoc Committee in 1992. This was the beginning of the Heckrodt Wetland Reserve.
Don not only promoted the Reserve, he worked with hammer, saw and paint brush. I was very proud to work with him on many of the projects.
Rest in peace, my friend!
Lee Murphy
May 5, 2013
Best wishes to the family. Don's old boss. Dave Abraham
May 4, 2013
Dear Sally and Family,
We are very saddened by the death of Donny.He was a wonderful neighbor and friend for the past twenty two years. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this most difficult time. Love Dave and Mary Lotzer
Mary Lotzer
May 4, 2013
Don was great to me and a great asset for Menasha. He will be missed by everyone. I will miss having those lunches with him and being able to discuss anything and everything. He had a great mind and was always willing to consider every perspective with respect. A lot of people really don't realize the impact on Menasha that Don had. Don was not one to toot his own horn nor take credit for anything but his thumb print is on everything in the community. I had to revise the plaque for the A Frame at the Heckrodt Reserve because he didn't want to put his name on it. Selfless, kind, respectful and mentor -- that pretty much sums it up. He will be missed by all.
Joe Laux
May 4, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was a good friend to me and a great supporter during my tenure as fire chief. He will be truly missed.
Retired Fire Chief Tom Miller
May 4, 2013
Don was a special friend and will be missed by all that he touched in life. RIP my friend.
Retired Fire Chief Pat OBrien
May 4, 2013
Not only has Menasha lost a kind and gentle man, we've also lost a true patriot for this city. And, the stars in the heavens got a little brighter on May 3rd! My thoughts and prayers remain with your family. With sympathy and kindness, Cheryl J.
May 4, 2013
Don was such a kind thoughtful man. I really enjoyed his personality at the pigeon club. He was always kind and made me feel welcome. Don also gave my son a few pointers in our back yard when my son was learning how to pitch. Don will surely be missed and because of my faith in Christ, I look forward to seeing Don again some day.
Pat Tourville
May 4, 2013
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Wichmann Funeral Home - Laemmrich Chapel312 Milwaukee Street, Menasha, WI 54952
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