Donald Neis
Donald Hubert Neis, 91, Racine, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday morning, Dec. 9, 2018, surrounded with the love of his family.
Donald was born in Menomonie, Wis., on September 4, 1927, to the late Cletus and Eileen (nee: Brown) Neis. At age 17, he went on to faithfully serve our country with the United States Navy in WWII from 1944–1946 aboard the USS Leon. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 6711, in Mondovi, and American Legion Post 264, in Gilmanton. Following his return, Don graduated from Mondovi High School in 1947.
On June 23, 1951, in St. Patrick Catholic Church, he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Priscilla Agnes (nee: Sabelko) Neis.
With a profound work ethic, Don was employed as an electrician and pipefitter for American Motors/Chrysler, retiring in 1992. Well respected within the skilled trades, he served as Chief Steward of UAW Local 172. Don was a faithful member of St. Lucy Catholic Church in Racine for over 50 years. Among his interests, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. Above all, Don was a devoted family man who cherished spending time with all of his loved ones.
Surviving are his loving wife of over 67 years, Priscilla; their children, Cloy Neis, Nancy Neis and Patrick (Kathy) Neis; granddaughters, Danielle (Eric) Scott and Nicole (Jeff) Kimpel; great-grandsons, Lucas and Theo Scott, and Sam Kimpel; brother, Jack Neis; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Lavern (Pat), Leon (Vivian), Francis (Marlene) and Dennis (Joanne) Sabelko, Mary Ann (Bill) Bailey, Lola (Dennis) Johns and Carol Neis; many dear nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his beloved son, Thomas Neis; sisters and brothers, Virgil (Phyllis) Neis, Maxine (Leslie) Neverdahl, Phyllis (Arvid) Thompson, Tom Neis, Duane (Dolly) Neis and Lois (William) Lawko; brother-in-law, Gerald (Kathy) Sabelko.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Thursday, Dec. 13, at 6 p.m., in Saint Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Ave., Racine, with Rev. Javier Guativa officiating. Visitation was in Saint Lucy Church on Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. (the rosary was recited at 3:30 p.m.). Interment, with military honors, was held on Friday, Dec. 14, at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 21731 Spring St., Union Grove, at noon. A memorial luncheon followed the cemetery service. In memory of Don, memorials have been suggested to Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin or to the American Diabetes Association.
A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. Saleem Aman and Ascension Hospice Care for the compassionate care and support given in Don’s time of need. May God bless all of you!
Draeger-Langer-Langendorf Funeral Home & Crematory, 4600 County Line Road, Racine, WI 53403, 262-552-9000, www.draeger-langendorf.com assisted the family.
