Donald C. Ley

Donald Charles Ley (Don), 83, of Greenleaf and formerly of Crandon passed away on March 25, 2015 at St. Vincent Hospital surrounded by family. He surprised family and doctors by bouncing out of several illnesses but finally, his body just wore out. Don was born in 1931, September 11 to Joseph and Mary Ley on the family farm in the town of Rockland south of De Pere. He graduated from East De Pere high school and unbeknown to his parents he enlisted in the Army and was sent to the front lines of the Korean Conflict where he fought with courage for this wonderful country. As a result of the death of his father, the Army sent him back to Wisconsin to help on the family farm. Soon after his return to Wisconsin and in addition to the working on the family farm, he began a lifelong career with Proctor Gamble f/k/a Charmin, where he held the position of Head Machine Tender for many years. In 1954 at the Greenleaf Picnic, Don met a beautiful girl named Ann Heimerl. They courted for a while and on August 9, 1956 were united in marriage at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greenleaf. Don will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of 58 years, Ann: and his eight children: Rick (Lisa) and their daughters Bonnie (fiancé Justin Burton) Smith and Julie Smith, Jean Geiger and her son Jacob (Nikki) ; Steve (Sue) and their daughters Kayla and Lilly; Barbara Martin (Frank) and their children Nicole (Tanner) Wilkinson and Francis Martin; Linda Vander Heiden (friend Loren Miller); Mary Ley (friend Tom Sekeres); Rose Schaefer (Scott) and their daughter Brittany and DJ (Jenny) and their children Anna and Isaiah. Don is further survived by his sisters Mary Pat Aschenbrenner; Ann Hare, brother in-law Hugh Heimerl and sister-in-laws Jane Pennings, Betty Heimerl, Phyllis Heimerl, Donna Heimerl and Pat Ley. Many nieces and nephews also survive. Don was preceded in death by his grandson Jonathan Geiger; parents Joseph and Mary Ley, brothers John and Joe; sister Helen Flanagan (Jerome); brother-in-laws Warren Hare, Harvey Aschenbrenner, Harvey Heimerl, Earl Heimerl, Gene Heimerl, Marvin Pennings and sister-in-laws Bonnie Heimerl, Dorothy Lambert Heimerl, Mabel Ley; son-in-law Peter Vander Heiden; nieces and nephews and good friends, i.e. hunting buddies. The outdoors was spent with his sons hunting, fishing and coaching pumpkin ball and little league. He made a championship team where ever he coached. He loved bowling, gardening and the family vacation up north to Crooked Lake. He moved to Crandon to enjoy retirement where he fished Lake Lucerne and hunted with his sons. He loved to watch his grandchildren as they created memories of Lake Lucerne. Don was proud to serve his country and was active with the American Legion in Wrightstown and Crandon, Lion’s Club in Crandon and the Knights of Columbus. He volunteered every year to help with the Crandon Brush Runs and was always available when the Veterans sponsored a charity. Family and friends may visit at St. Mary Catholic Church, 2218 Day Street, Greenleaf, on Saturday, March 28, from 9:00am until 10:45am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Saturday with the Rev. Dennis Bergsbaken officiating. Interment in the church cemetery. Cotter Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences at www.cotterfuneralhome.com Don’s family would like to thank all the wonderful staff at Rennes Healthcare in De Pere, the De Pere Rescue Squad, Emergency Room staff at St. Vincent Hospital especially Dr. A.J., Unity Hospice nurses Angie and Lori and the medical staff that cared for our dad. Even though Don worked southern swing shift at Proctor Gamble, he never missed weekly mass. He made going to church a priority and his main goal in life was to raise responsible children. We all thank you dad for the tremendous lesson you taught us and may you find that ever elusive trophy buck! Happy trails!