Henry "Bud" Griesbach Jr.

Henry “Bud” Louis Griesbach, Jr, age 94 of Appleton, WI passed away on November 23, 2023.  He was born to Henry and Bertha (Thon) Griesbach on November 3, 1929, in Chicago, IL.  Bud graduated from Lane Technical School with the class of ’47, then attended the University of Iowa on a swimming scholarship. After graduation he enlisted with the US Army serving in the Korean War. Returning from active duty, he earned his Master’s degree, also from the University of Iowa and continued to serve in the army reserves for 17 1/2 years, obtaining the rank of Major.  Bud met Shirley Barbour, a nurse, during his time in college on a blind date and not long after, they were married in June of 1951.  After Shirley’s passing in 2017, Bud found love again with Pam Berry, and they married in August of 2020.

Bud was a gentleman and a scholar – a jack of all trades and a master of many.  If you asked Bud what time it was, he’d tell you how to build a clock.  He was nearly an Olympic swimmer and kept his love for swimming throughout his life competing in several Masters events.  He also played golf and taught skiing consistently until 2017.  After his retirement from Kimberly Clark, he volunteered his time for the Red Cross, the EAA air show, and continued to challenge himself each tax season for 35 years at H&R Block.  Bud played a lot of bridge and enjoyed scrabble, and wished for more of a green thumb to match his vision of the garden.  He was always looking to improve his performance, be it at work or play. That lead to several relocations of the family as he climbed the corporate ladder from the mid west to each coast and back again to Wisconsin.  

Bud is survived by his four children, Sandy (Jim), Henry, David (Deborah), and Janet (John); his second wife, Pam; his grandchildren, Cooper, Sarah (David), Ben (Erin), Hannah, Maya, and Gustavo; his great-grandchildren, Ellie, Hunter, Henley, and Owen; his siblings, Linda (Kip) and Robbi; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.  

Bud is preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley; his brother, Paul; and his brother-in-law, Jack.

A memorial visitation will be held for Bud on Saturday, December 16, 2023 from 11 AM – 1 PM at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St, Appleton, WI 54911 with a service to follow at 1 PM.  Bud will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, per his wishes.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Red Cross using the link below in honor of Bud.  

Bud’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the caretakers and staff at Eagle Point Senior Living for the accommodations and support they gave to Bud during his last few years.  

No matter what, he’ll always be "perkin’ along".