Donald Ganz

Donald J. Ganz, age 75, of Alma, WI passed away on Sunday, September 16, 2012 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Wabasha after a two month battle with lymphoma. Don was born on February 4, 1937 in Alma a son of the late Jay A. and Lois (Thorpe) Ganz. Don attended Alma schools graduated from Alma High School with the class of 1955. On June 14, 1958 Don was united in marriage to Joyce Reglin at the Zion Lutheran Church in Cream. To this union two children were born. Don began serving his country in 1956 as a member of the United States Air Force. He was stationed at several different bases in the United States and Newfoundland. While based at Lincoln AFB in Lincoln, NE Don was given recognition as instrument maintenance man of the month who worked on the first B57 that flew nonstop around the world. Don was honorably discharged in 1960. Don held different jobs during his lifetime, some of which included the Alma Creamery and Hels Johnson Construction in Winona; he drove semi for 28 years for Federal Bakery of Winona and Tennant and Hoyt of Lake City delivering bulk flour. Don was active in the Alma Community, involved in the City Council, Alma Ambulance Board and the Alma Area Museum. He was also active in several other organizations that highlighted his love of the outdoors including serving on both boards of the WI Conservation Congress and the Alma Rod & Gun Club also serving as the vice president. Don was a man who enjoyed the outdoors and the activities it gave him. Besides hunting and fishing, Don was a lifelong rattlesnake hunter, both in Wisconsin and Mangum, Oklahoma with his friend to whom he thought of as his own brother, Gene Miller and friend Wes Webb. So many will remember Don for his outgoing and friendly personality with the ability to make friends wherever he would be, but mostly for the special bond he had with his family, especially his loving grandchildren. Don will be sadly missed by his wife of the past 54 years, Joyce of Alma; son Donald Jay (Barb) Ganz of Alma; daughter, Donnette (Corey) Mickelson of Ridgeland, WI; three grandchildren, Donny (Jacinda) Ganz of Alma, Lyla and Lyndsey Mickelson of Ridgeland; brothers, Jay (Delaine) Ganz of Gilmanton and Ken (LaVonne) Ganz of Alma; sisters, Donna Ganz of Minneapolis and Joyce (Jim) Robbins of Colfax, WI; also by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Preceding Don in death were his parents. A graveside inurnment service and full military Rites will be held on Thursday, September 20 at 3:00 PM at Alma Public Cemetery with Pastor Marcy Heil officiating. At 4:00 PM also on Thursday, a celebration of Don’s life will be held at the Alma Rod & Gun Club. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Alma Rod & Gun Club preferred. Online memories or condolences may be sent to www.talbotfuneralhomes.com Scenic Rivers Cremation Center, Talbot Family Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements.