Donald Eugene Gregis

March 1, 1925 - October 15, 2021
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Obituary

Donald Eugene Gregis, age 96 of Oro Valley, AZ, died of COVID19 breakthrough on 10/15/2021.

He was born in Eau Claire, WI in 1925 to Isabel (Brown) and Anton A Gregis.

He graduated from Eau Claire High School in 1942. After graduation he worked briefly in Seattle Washington.

He joined the Army in 1943 as a Cannoneer in the Combat Infantry serving in the Asiatic Pacific Theater – southern Philippines (Liberation) He was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his bravery. Discharge was 1946.

He married Marie Magdalen Horvath of St. Paul, MN in 1947 in Eau Claire. She passed away in 1992.

Marie (Proprietor) and Don were owners of Don’s Bar on E Madison St from 1949 to 1978, buying it from his Dad who purchased it in the 1920’s. The Don’s Bar Softball team won many trophies. Don joined the USPS in early 1950’s as a sub carrier and retired 35 years later as Vehicle Operations Manager for Western Wisconsin. He invented some equipment that is being used. Of all the organizations of which he was a member, he was proudest to be a lifetime member of the VFW.

In 1995 he moved to Oro Valley with his loving partner Ellen Imbody. She passed away in 2010. .

Don enjoyed every aspect of life and squeezed all the fun he could out of it! He was an avid bowler and played many years of league with the Funtimers at Fiesta Bowl. Everyone appreciated his friendly, easy going, nature

He is survived by his only child, daughter Donna Marie Nicolai of Eau Claire. Also survived by Jim Bradley and Jeff Vautour, who he considered to be the sons he never had! The Blair Imbody family and wonderful (grand)kids who loved him. And Rita Ward – his best friend and co – sharer in his life adventures! He also left behind many treasured friends!

As Don wished, there will be no funeral service. He will be cremated and interred at the AZ Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Marana, AZ. Any memorials in Don’s name should be sent to the Veteran’s charity of your choice.

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Service Schedule

Cemetery Information

Date: Thursday, October 21, 2021

Time: 8:00 am

Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery Marana

Address:

15950 N. Luckett RD
Marana, Arizona 85653

 

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Timeline for Donald Eugene Gregis

Born: March 1, 1925
Died: October 15, 2021

Condolences for Donald Eugene Gregis

Marana Mortuary & Cemetery

Our sincere condolences.

The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.

 

Jim Bradley & Jeff Vautour posted on 10/20/21

Hey Don, We just want to let you know how much you have meant to us over the years. You never criticized us and you always encouraged us. We will never forget the cruise and all the great times over all the years. Happy hour will never be the same. We love you. Rest In Peace my friend.

 

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