Donald Garsow

Donald F Garsow, 86, Green Bay, fell asleep in death on March 2, 2021, at home with his loving family by his side. He was born on January 9, 1935, in West De Pere (Town of Lawrence) to Felix and Antoinette (Ebben) Garsow. The youngest of 7 children, Don was born and raised on his family’s dairy farm where he lived until he married the love of his life, Nancy (Robinson), on August 11, 1956.

Don will be remembered for his sense of humor, storytelling and especially his generosity. Friends and family have fond memories of time spent in his pool room or back deck where he grilled burgers and steak (and blew leaves) while others enjoyed his swimming pool. As a youth, Don learned to play the coronet and became a member of the Green Bay City Band, Green Bay Symphony, Jerry Sobiek Band and the Packer Band. He loved baseball/softball and throughout the years he played on various teams as a pitcher and was a long ball hitter! He also played in football and bowling leagues. He planned on joining the Air Force in February of 1955, however, a ski accident on January 30th at the age of 20 left him in a body cast for 6 months. Although that changed his plans for the future, it also led him to marry his sweetheart, Nan. His other interests included watching Packer games, hunting, traveling with the family, landscaping, trivia (history and geography), watching Jeopardy, bird watching, shooting pool and mini golf (where he was super competitive - many a mulligan was taken!).

Don graduated from Nicolet High School in 1952 as a member of the National Honor Society, thereafter working on his family’s farm and in construction. In order to get his family through winter until bricklaying picked up again, he accepted a job at Armour & Co as a livestock cashier; however, 17 years later he was Beef Dept Manager. After working briefly at Delft Blue/Provimi, he was hired by Green Bay Dressed Beef, a struggling beef company, as their General Manager, turning it into a multi million dollar company. He retired from American Foods Group as the Chief Operating Officer and President of the Beef Division. His travels for work took him all over the US, Canada and parts of Asia. Upon retirement, Don and Nan spent many winters in Florida and Arizona until she passed away on June 3, 2008.

One of the highlights of his life was November 29, 1986: Don was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He was a member of the North Green Bay congregation where he served as an elder and full time minister, spending over 1000 hours per year helping others to acquire an accurate knowledge of Bible truth. His zeal for the ministry was a hallmark of his personality. He would always encourage people to look into his favorite website JW.org for answers to life’s big questions such as: What happens to us when we die? He also looked forward to the Bible’s promise of an earthly resurrection where he would be reunited with his wife. (John 5:28,29)

Survivors include his 8 children: Donald P Garsow, Teresa (Randall) Andrews, Michael (Joan) Garsow, Geralyn (John) Kersten, Sharon Garsow, Mary (Michael) Turecke, Jennifer (Anthony) Krause, Rebecca (Beau) Bristol; 17 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; and in-laws: Eunice Garsow and Pauline (Leonard) Johnson.

Don was preceded in death by his wife of almost 52 years, Nancy; his parents, Felix and Antoinette Garsow; his siblings and their spouses: Genevieve (Lawrence) Nelson, Rosella (Joe) Bunker, Florence (Norbert) Hoes, Orbert Garsow, Marie (John) Glowacki, and Bernadine (George) Moureau; infant grandchildren: Brandy Andrews, Kenan and Miranda Sewell; and great-granddaughter Alesana Farris.

Memorial service to be held on Saturday, March 13 at 2 pm CST via Zoom with Michael Garsow officiating. Please email dongarsowfuneral@gmail.com for a Zoom invite.

The family would like to thank Unity Hospice for all of their compassionate care. Especially to Tara and her team: a big Thank You!

The family would also like to express their appreciation for the love displayed by friends in the various congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses throughout the world and recognize they also have indeed felt the tremendous loss as we have. (1 Cor 12:26)