Don Gehlhoff

It is with profound love and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved brother, uncle, and friend, Don David Gehlhoff.

Don was born on April 9, 1963, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to David and Jean Gehlhoff. He graduated from Syble Hopp School in 1984 and later worked at the Curative Workshop in Green Bay until retiring in 1998—something he always marked by saying it was the same year Reggie White retired from the Green Bay Packers.

A passionate sports fan, Don faithfully cheered on the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Kevin Harvick in NASCAR. His room proudly displayed a lifetime of memorabilia that reflected his unwavering loyalty and enthusiasm.

Don treasured time spent with family at the cottages on Golden Lake and Stanley Lake in Iron River, Michigan. He enjoyed music, a cold Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, and simply being surrounded by the people he loved.

He was a proud former member of the Moose Lodge and Rod & Gun Club, participated in Special Olympics for many years, and was a faithful member of St. Mary Church.

Don will be remembered for his kind heart, joyful spirit, positive attitude, unforgettable dance moves, and deep love for his family, everyone he met, and God. Though Don had Down Syndrome, it was never what defined him—his kindness, joy, and ability to make people feel loved did. To know Don was truly to love Don. He was the glue in our family.

Over his 63 years, Don taught all of us important lessons—how to love unconditionally, how to be patient, and how to see the world through a lens of optimism and grace. When his favorite team lost, he would simply smile and remind us that they would win “next time.” His joy for life, unwavering loyalty, and special way of seeing the world left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Don will be deeply missed by his siblings, Kim (Andy) Scray, Kevin (Lisa) Gehlhoff, and Dena (Chris) Fellows-Lese; his nieces and nephews, Ashley (Hayden) Peterson, Marissa (Mitchell) Burbach, Brittany (Dustin) Bokath, Craig Gehlhoff, Zoe and Amara Fellows, and Aidan, Nathanial, and Audrey Lese; his great-nephews, Theo Peterson and Miles Burbach; his uncle, Kenny Gehlhoff; along with many extended family members and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Jean Gehlhoff; his brother-in-law, Aaron Fellows; aunts and uncles Ronnie (Bonnie) Gehlhoff, Judy (Jerry) Thier, Joan (Bill) Marcell, Jackie (John) Waite, Julie Esbrook, and Kent and Jan Stoor; his grandparents George and Jane Gehlhoff, Lucille and Ray Greenwood, and Conrad and Gladys Stoor; and many special friends.

A private service will be held at Mount Olivet Cemetery at a later date.

Our family extends heartfelt thanks to Almost Family and the nurses and caregivers who cared for Don over the past several years, especially Kathy Benoit, the staff at Meadowbrook Nursing Facility in Oconto Falls, and Unity Hospice. Your compassion, kindness, and care will never be forgotten.

Memorial contributions and condolences in Don’s memory may be directed to Syble Hopp School.