Donald "Don" Neitzel

Don W. Neitzel, 86, died on November 15, 2024 in West Bend. Don was born May 24, 1938 in Watertown. He was a happy kid growing up with his parents, sister Ruth and grandparents on a small dairy farm near Old Lebanon. He started drumming at age four and knew that music would be his passion.

He was the drummer for a wide variety of bands and combos including performances at the 43rd presidential inauguration and the 1959 Rose Bowl parade. Don also regularly played the Great Circus Parade and enjoyed playing with the band at Milwaukee Bucks games. He played many cruises including to Hawaii and on the Mississippi. His rhythm brought joy to countless area weddings and special events. His legacy also lives on in the many drum students that he taught over the years, averaging 30-50 students a week. He was an advocate for musicians through his many years of work as the President of the Milwaukee Musicians Association Local #8. More recently, he and his wife enjoyed attending the Percussive Arts Society International Convention.

Don married Sophie Helene Elisabeth, aka Fiffi, Gonscherowski on Feb. 8, 1964. They were united in marriage until Fiffi’s death in Jan., 2016. Those Don leaves behind to retell his stories and cherish his memory include their daughter, Gail (John) Sumi and granddaughters Anna (Daniel - wedding in Dec.) and Laura; sister Ruth (Del) Beaver; niece Holly Settle; many “family” and friends throughout the world including those close to home in his Cedar Community and Peace United Church of Christ friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his dear son, David Neitzel age 19, his wife, his parents; and many great friends and colleagues.

Grandaughters Anna and Laura loved Camp Omi and Grandpa. They had many adventures together, watched classic movies and ate a lot of Dreamsicles. He loved to travel, making the descent to the bottom of the Grand Canyon by donkey in the early 1960’s, and enjoyed many trips in the US and to Europe with family and making new friends through Elderhostel with Fiffi.

SERVICES: A visitation will be held Fri. Nov. 22, 2024, from 1:30PM - 2:30PM, Cedar Theater, Cedar Community, Cedar Lake Campus, 5595 Cty. Rd Z, West Bend.  A memorial service will be at 2:30PM.

Don asked that memorials be made in support of Peace United Church of Christ, 343 1st Street, Kewaskum, WI, 53040 or Cedar Community Partners in Caring, 5595 County Road Z, West Bend, 53095.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Don's arrangements.