Donald A. Kleifgen, 84, Pittsville, Died on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016 at Ministry St. Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016 at St. Joachim Catholic Church, Pittsville, with Rev. Robert Nelson officiating. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery and his grandsons will serve as pallbearers.  Military rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post 153 of Pittsville. The visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday at Buchanan / Rembs Funeral Home, Pittsville and on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until service time at St. Joachim Catholic Church.

Donald was born on Dec.  12, 1932 in Marshfield to Aloysius and Marie (Koppen) Kleifgen. He attended Veedum School, St. Joachim Parochial School and was a 1952 graduate of Mary Heart High School, Pittsville. During his high school years he was captain of the football team and known as swivel hips and slippery eel. As a young man he farmed with his parents in the Town of Dexter and also worked at Nekoosa Paper Mill until he entered the United States Army, serving from April 15, 1953 until his honorable discharge on April 6, 1955. He then was employed at Pre-Way Corporation in Wisconsin Rapids and also farmed. He later worked for Altman Brothers Construction and then for Metal Building Systems until his retirement. After his retirement he worked doing side jobs with his “Old Style” buddy, Ronnie Martin.

His hobbies included hunting, gardening, playing cards, horse shoes, softball and woodworking. He especially enjoyed family and grandchildren. He was known as “Papa Doc” by everyone.

He married Joan A. Wolf on June 16, 1956 at St. Joachim’s Catholic Church. She died on April 16, 1999.

Don is survived by his children, Deb (Mike) Scheurer of Pittsville, Tammy (Dale) Steponik of City Point, Mark (Johnalee) Kleifgen of Auburndale, Rose (Terry Quinlan) Kleifgen of Pittsville, Brenda (Dick) Jacobs of Willard, Mike (Lisa) Kleifgen of Clarksville, TN, Matthew (Holly) Kleifgen of Allegan, MI, and Lucretia (Lonnie) Macha of Pittsville. He is also survived by 22 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. He is further survived by his sister, Dorene Mozdzierz of Pittsville.

He was predeceased by his parents, his wife, Joan, a son, Gregory, and 2 grandsons, Mark Scheurer and Christian Kleifgen.

Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com