
Donald C. Riess
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Donald C. Riess, 66 of Fort Atkinson, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, June 16, 2024.
Don was born on September 22, 1957, in Fort Atkinson, WI, the son of Lynn and Orabelle (Draves) Riess. The family moved to Watertown soon after Don's birth and then to Jefferson when he was 16. Don graduated from Jefferson High School in 1975. After high school, he worked at Schwieger Industries, Terry's Excavating and was employed by the City of Fort Atkinson in the Department of Public Works for 22 years, retiring in 2020. On February 6, 1996, he married Christine Ellis in Las Vegas, and the couple have enjoyed the last 28 years of marriage. Don and Chris enjoyed camping together and the couple has seen the state one campsite at a time. They especially enjoyed staying at their long-time seasonal campsite in Merrimac. Don and Chris also had "smiles for miles" touring on their Harley-Davidson. He loved watching football, played softball many summers, and was an avid Sheepshead player. His family remembers his ability to know every other sheepshead player's score and usually their cards too! His generosity and willingness to sacrifice his own good for the sake of others was admired and he will be dearly missed.
He is survived by: his wife Christine Riess of Fort Atkinson; children Tracy (Seth) Jones of Jefferson, Michael (Michelle) Hotter of Oshkosh, and Andrew (Pee) Hotter of Janesville; 6 grandchildren Ethan, Mikey, Madden, Maren, Sammy, and David; and his siblings Marilyn (Ken) Baars of Portage and Sue Hake of Fort Atkinson. Don is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers Jim, Roy, Ronnie, Jerry "Tuffy", and Kenny, and a sister Sharon Riess.
The family would like to express a sincere thank you to the staff of Rainbow Hospice for the loving care provided and to Pastor and Wendy Raiford for their dedicated ministry.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00AM on Friday, June 21, 2024, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church of Jefferson with Rev. Christopher Raiford presiding. Visitation will be on Friday from 9:00AM until the time of service at the church. Don will be laid to rest at Rock River Cemetery of Jefferson following the service.
The Olsen-Gibson Funeral Home is caring for the family. To place an online condolence, please visit
www.olsen-gibson.com
