David J. Gresl, age 56, a resident of Appleton, and formerly of Manitowoc, peacefully entered eternal life on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at his residence in Appleton while surrounded by his family.
Dave was born on October 8, 1964, in Manitowoc to Kenneth Gresl and the late Donna (Glaeser) Gresl. He graduated from Roncalli High School with the class of 1983 and later obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from UW Green Bay. Dave enjoyed working as a sales representative for various companies in northeast Wisconsin. Throughout the years, Dave liked coaching basketball (including both of his children’s teams), fishing for the elusive muskie, golfing, and dominating his fantasy football leagues. He also enjoyed watching movies, eating his cheeseballs and ice cream, and drinking coffee or Diet Pepsi. Dave prided himself on his recovery and sobriety for over nine years. As he conquered his sobriety with the help of sponsors, he in turn became a sponsor and positively influenced the lives of many people. The lessons he learned on his journey prepared and strengthened him for his three-year battle with cancer to take things one day at a time and provided optimism and inspiration to those who knew him. Dave was a selfless person, always put others first, and had a strong faith in God. He had many good years growing up on Shawano Lake and taking trips to Florida with his family. Above all, Dave loved the time he was able to spend with his family and friends.
Survivors include Dave’s two children, Danielle (Andrew) Newman and Michael (Kaylee) Gresl, all of Menomonee Falls; grandson, Jackson Newman, along with another Gresl grandchild on the way; father, Kenneth Gresl, Manitowoc; three siblings, Steve (Cindy) Gresl, Menasha; Cheryl (Mark) Burns, Springfield, IL; and Kristin Gresl, Manitowoc; also, nieces, nephews, the mother of his children, Julie Gresl, other relatives, and many friends.
The family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, January 8, 2021 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. Private family funeral services will be held for the immediate family only following the visitation, but the funeral service will be streamed live on the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home Facebook page. Rev. Dave Pleier will officiate with burial to follow at Knollwood Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials in Dave’s name.
Dave’s family would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to Dr. Riese, Dr. Santos-Pinheiro, and all of their staff at Froedtert Hospital. Further thanks to Dr. Klinkhammer, Julia NP, and the Palliative Care team at ThedaCare for all of the care they provided. And a very special thank you to Alyssa RN and all of the staff at Century Oaks Assisted Living for their support and personalized care.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
