Donald J. Griesbach

Donald J. Griesbach, age 76, was called home to be with Jesus Christ on Sunday morning, January 10, 2010. Don was born in Mackville, May 17, 1933, son of the late Peter and Mary (Sanderfoot) Griesbach. On August 12, 1956, he married the love of his life, Jane (Rehfeldt) in Appleton. Don honorably served in the U.S. Navy, protecting our country aboard the USS Macon, Atlantic Ocean. Don was a hard working, loving husband, father and dairy farmer. He was a volunteer fireman for years. He and Jane enjoyed dancing in their younger days, playing sheepshead, raising their children and glorifying God. Don believed Sunday was a day of rest and worship, and a penny saved was a penny earned. His daughters fondly recall the father/daughter dances on Sunday afternoons after church. He was passionate, quick witted, enjoyed 'All in the Family'. Above all he cherished God and family. He treated his children-in-law like his own.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Jane of Appleton, as well as their six children and twenty-five grandchildren:

Gary (Sharon) Griesbach of Creal Springs, IIllinois, and their children: Jacob (Tiffany), Serah, Joshua (Heather), Shalisha, Gideon, Jeremiah and Gloryel;

Julie (Tony) Vanden Heuvel of Seymour, and their children: Jennifer (Graham) Stowe, Jill, Jeannie Mahone, PFC Tony James and John;

Kim (Ron) Hakenjos of Black Creek, and their son, Matthew (fiancée Alexandria Thede);

Lynn (Steve) Schmidt of Bonduel, and their children: Faith and Luke;

James (Regina) Griesbach of Bonduel, and their children: Jacob, Josiah, Isaiah, Samuel, Moriah and Judah;

Lori (Kyle) Loewenhagen of Mondovi, and their children: Katerina, Isaiah, and Malachi;

as well as, 4 great-grandchildren: Elijah, Jael and Phinehas Griesbach, and Maya Mahone.

Don is further survived by seven brothers and sisters: Margaret (Cyril) Jochman, Theresa Short (Robert Van de Loo), LaVerne (Robert) Stein, Kitty (Donald) Nuxoll, Stella (Roger) Wood, Gerald (Maria), Ronald (Ming), a brother-in-law: Dave (Ginger) Timm; three sisters-in-law: Willa Griesbach, Ethel Boehler, and Arlene (Jerry) Van Den Wildenberg. Other survivors include five Godchildren, many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three grandchildren: Gabriel Griesbach, Michael and Gabriel Schmidt; sisters: Katherine (Howard) McGuire, Frances Timm, Germaine, Marcella; a brother: Merlin; brothers-in-law: Jim Kuba, Frank Short, Joseph Penterman, Tony Boehler; by Jane's parents: Harold and Margaret, and by nieces and nephews.

Due to a scheduling conflict at Don's church, the funeral service will be held at 12:00 Noon, Saturday, January 16, 2010, at Grace Lutheran Church, 900 North Mason St., Appleton. Visitation is at Grace on Saturday from 9:00 AM until time of service. Entombment with full military honors will follow at Highland Memorial Park.

Father Tom Farrell will offer a Memorial Mass, Monday, January 18, at 5:00 PM at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 500 West Marquette Street in Appleton.

The family sincerely thanks the parish, especially Deacon Rick Simon, at St. Pius X for the wonderful ministry and spiritual care provided to Don over the years. Your Christian compassion and care will always be remembered. Thank you, also, to the kind staff at Rennes Health Care Center for years of care.

One of Don's favorite sayings was “A family that prays together stays together!”

May God bless the memory of Don J. Griesbach.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
920 739-1231