Donald "Don" Joseph Karisny

On Saturday, November 13th, 2021, with his loving family by his side, Don passed peacefully after a hard-fought battle with a severe respiratory illness. Don was a loving son, brother, father, grandfather, friend, and patriot. He was born on May 17th, 1942, in Neenah WI.

He is survived by his 3 children: Sarah (Jamie) Knudson, Rachael (Joe) Conrad, Jon (Heather) Karisny; his 7 grandchildren: Tyler (Aniko) Conrad, Noah Conrad, Braedon Knudson, Ava Knudson, Gabriella Conrad, Addison Karisny, and Emma Karisny; his siblings: Robert Karisny, Didi Karisny, and Paul Karisny; his niece and nephews: Michael Karisny, Jennifer (Karisny) McGinnis, and Stephen Law; and his beloved dog, Tango.

Don was proceeded in death by his parent’s John Karisny and Margaret (Brehm) Karisny, his brother Jim Karisny, his brother-in-law Tim Resch, and sister- in- law Mary Karisny.

Don attended high school at St. Mary’s Central, in Menasha, where he played football (and sometimes attended class), graduating in 1961. Following graduation, he was drafted to the Army and bravely served in the Vietnam war, 54th Signal Battalion. During his time serving, he received many honors including the air service medal as a Specialist Four (E4) supporting ground forces and participating in over 25 aerial missions over hostile territory. Following his return, he attended UW Oshkosh and played semi-pro football with the Manitowoc Chiefs for several years as a defensive half back and was inducted into the hall of fame in 2002.

Don had a strong work ethic and served in a variety of business management and sales roles with Valley School Supply, School Specialty, and Bretford Manufacturing. Don’s passions included playing and watching golf, spending time with his kids and grandkids, traveling, and enjoying a nice dinner and some red wine with friends and family.

Above all, Don cared deeply for his family and always put them first. He was hard working, stubborn to a fault, humble, supportive, proud, strong, and resilient. Don will be forever missed and remembered by all those that had the honor of knowing and loving him.

“A million times I’ve needed you, a million times I’ve cried. If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died. In life I loved you dearly, in death I love you still. In my heart you hold a place, no one else can ever fill. It broke my heart to lose you, but you didn’t go alone. Part of me went with you, the day God took you home.”

A visitation and memorial service is planned for Tuesday, November 23rd at Wichmann Funeral home, Tri-County Chapel, located at 1592 Oneida St. in Menasha, WI. Visitation will be held from 2-4pm followed by a memorial service from 4-4:30pm. A celebration of life, in Don’s honor, will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a scholarship fund that will be established in Don’s name by his family to honor a lifetime of service and a lifetime of love.