Donald Goessl

Donald R. Goessl, 79, of Sheboygan, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 11, 2014 at Theda Clark Medical Center, Neenah as the result of an automobile accident on May 8, 2014. Don was born March 11, 1935 in Gibson, to the late Charles and Frances (Baumgart) Goessl. He attended Mischicot High School, graduating in 1953. On January 31, 1957, he married the former Caroline Kurth in Pine Grove. Don served his country in the United States Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1961. Don actively farmed for many years in the town of Mischicot and drove school bus in Mischicot and Sheboygan. He held various other jobs throughout his lifetime and even in retirement continued to enjoy working. Don was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus, also serving as Grand Knight from 1975-1976. He was a member of Holy Name Church in Sheboygan and served as a lector for many years. Don enjoyed woodworking and participating in parades as Paul Bunyan with Babe the Blue Ox. He also was an avid Sheephead player and enjoyed socializing with everyone he knew. He continued to be generous in death by having been a registered organ donor. Don is survived by his three children, Debbie Federer-Siebert, Sheboygan, Mike (Angie) Goessl, Valders and Jane (Paul) Levande, Hortonville; nine grandchildren, Michael Federer, Nicholas (Amy) Federer, Nathan (Megan) Levande, Collin Levande, Brad (Andrea) Goessl, Becky Goessl, Michelle Goessl, Tina (Doug) Lapalm, Adam Goessl and Brian Goessl; eleven great-grandchildren; one sister, Bernice (Robert) LeCaptain, Maribel and his former spouse, Caroline Goessl. He is further survived by nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Don is preceded in death by an infant son Brian, a son, Benjamin Goessl and an infant grandson, Andrew Goessl. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Name of Jesus Church (824 Superior Ave, Sheboygan) with the Rev. Matthew Widder as celebrant. Friends may call on Tuesday, at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Inurnment will take place at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Tisch Mills at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Don's name. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Sheboygan Police and Fire Departments, Jaws of Life, the emergency room staff at St. Nicholas Hospital, Theda Star Flight for Life and the ICU and trauma staff of Theda Clark Medical Center for all of their wonderful help and care which gave us a few more days with our loved one. Don will be missed by all who knew him. He is now at home with his heavenly Father, never to feel pain or sorrow again.