Willard Griesbach's Funeral Service Video

Black Creek, Wisconsin – Willard Griesbach, 80, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, with his wife's hand on his heart. He was born in Appleton on February 25, 1942, to William & Margaret (Diermeier) Griesbach.

Raised on a dairy farm, Bill worked alongside his father until he graduated from Hortonville High School in 1960. After graduation, his father encouraged him to find employment "off the farm," to experience another profession. Bill moved houses for Berg & Henn for the next four years where he learned the values of working with people and the benefits of honest labor. However, he missed farming and realized his desire to be a dairy farmer.

Bill met the love of his life, Patricia Ashauer in Greenville, and they were married on November 9, 1963. Together, on April 20, 1965, they purchased the 80-acre dairy farm that he dreamed of owning in his childhood. Here, Bill and Patricia lovingly raised their four children Rick (Chris) Griesbach, Steve (Jennifer) Griesbach, Lori (Paul) Vandenberg, and Holly (Anton) Bogomyagkov. Nephew Eric (LuAnn) Griesbach and niece, Jennifer Ashauer, also play a special role in the family.

Bill and Pat have 13 grandchildren: William (Julia) Griesbach, Moriah (Laramie) Potts, and Leah Griesbach; Seth and Jacob Griesbach; Jonah (Laura) Vandenberg, Josiah, Joy, Jeremiah, and Johanna Vandenberg; Daniel, Alisa, and Timothy Bogomyagkov. And three great-grandchildren, Nathaniel and Caspian Vandenberg and Titus Potts.

Bill faithfully tended his dairy farm for 41 years, proud of his registered Holsteins. He retired in 2006 to their newly built dream home on his land. He was a hard-working man, pouring his love and skills into his family, the land and future generations. In his retirement, he grew gladiolus to gift family and friends. One of his recent hobbies was raising Mini Rex rabbits. He enjoyed providing rabbits for Streets of Bethlehem, held at Appleton Alliance Church.

He proudly served 30 years as a member of the Hortonville School board. He was passionate to ensure a healthy, well-rounded education for students and listen to the concerns of teachers, administration, and parents. Bill taught Adventures in Dairyland to fourth-grade students, sharing his love of dairy farming and agriculture.

Bill faithfully attended Appleton Alliance Church, while blessing those around him with the gifts God gave him. His kindness, generosity, love, wisdom and the grace of God that shone through him will not be forgotten. His fear of the Lord brought blessings upon the third and fourth generations.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia, who stood faithfully and endearingly by his side for 58 years, and his four children, their spouses, 13 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Germain (Tom) Metko, Verna Van Nuland, Vernon (Janet) Griesbach, Clarence (Rosie) Griesbach, and sister-in-law Sandy (Dave) Wittlin, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings Marylin (Al) Sturm & Larry Griesbach, and God-son Jeff Sturm.

Bill's Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 24, at Appleton Alliance Church. Visitation from 9:00-11:00 am. Service at 11:00 am. Dr. Dennis Episcopo presiding. The burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Greenville.

Bill's family extends a heartfelt thank you to Kalea, Jenni, Joy and Jane from the Heartland Hospice Care team.