Damian Daniel Gresbach

It is with great sadness the family of Damian Daniel Gresbach, age 43, announce his passing after a long, courageous battle with colorectal cancer. Surrounded by his loving family, Damian became our guardian angel on July 30, 2019, at 6:47 PM.

Damian was born January 31, 1976, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to his loving parents Patricia Gresbach and Tracey (Donna) Sullivan. Damian started traveling at a young age. As a child, he loved going to the north woods, visiting relatives in Colorado and drawing. He was an avid comic book collector, especially Marvel comics. Damian loved going on adventures with his family. His most epic adventure was the family trip to the Redwoods last summer.  He could have stayed there forever, he said. Damian loved cooking amazing food for others, especially chili, Puerto Rican rice, and tacos! He was a true outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, camping, ice fishing, hunting, and hiking trails, mountains, and lakes of all kinds. He was an outstanding storyteller. His favorite car of all time was a 69’ Chevelle. He was always talking about buying one and fixing it up. Damian always had a smile on his face and had a great attitude no matter what. A big personality and an even bigger laugh! This man would give you the shirt off his back, solid, dependable Damian.

Damian married the love of his life Nicole (nee Raymond) on August 5, 2005.  Devoted father of Ericka (Kyle Marchese), Dylan Jeffers, Ava and Roman. Proud grandfather of Adelynn Marchese. Beloved son-in-law of Weyman and Diane Sills and James and Tina Raymond. Cherished cousin/brother of Curtis Gresbach. Adoring brother-in-law of Joe (Jackie) Sills and Rachel (Gary) Stuettgen. Loving nephew of Brian Gresbach, Leslie Wojczynski, Debra Mickelson, Janis (Allan) Curtis, Jeanette Sullivan, Ross (Doreen Kuehl) Sullivan, Terry Sullivan, and Roxanne Larrick. Doting uncle to three nephews and two nieces. Further survived by numerous cousins and additional family members. Damian could make friends with anyone and was a friend to everyone, but you all held a special place in his heart throughout his life; St. Elmo Riley, cousin Mike Morgan, Chad Penkwitz, Rey Miranda, Mike Brown, Curt Pryal, Cory Hogans, Scott Walker, Jobe Griffin III, Joe Liebe, Chad Anderson, Matthew Fritz and Dan Mondry. He was a one of a kind friend to so many that he loved and cherished dearly!

There is a man who over the last 20 years was like a big brother to Damian. He was always there for him and our family in hard times or with a case of beer (or 2) on “Beer Fridays”. He was more family then he was ever a boss. He helped move us back from Arizona on short notice and has always gone above and beyond to help us out. Scott Brown, Damian loved you, looked up to you and respected you so much! Thank you for always being amazing to him!

A tremendous thank you to Weyman and Diane Sills who opened up their home to Damian for his final journey. We want to thank everyone who was a part of the amazing support system to Damian and his family throughout his battle with cancer. We couldn’t have done it without you. The continued support Damian received was unbelievable and an amazing blessing!  A big shout out to “Yo Mike” Burtch. A special “thank you” to all the amazing, caring staff at Faith Clinic and 7CFAC at Froedtert Hospital who took amazing care of Damian since December 2017 and to Aseracare Hospice for embracing and supporting all of us in preparation for Damian’s final journey.

Preceded in death by his loving grandparents, Herbert and Dolores Gresbach and James and Iris Sullivan, his dear uncles Leonard Mickelson and Scott Sullivan and beloved grandparents by marriage Eleanor Tucek and James F. Raymond. Damian is reunited with his loyal companions, Zebo, Saber and Onyx.

We are asking everyone to gather and celebrate Damian’s life with us at Pike Lake State Park Amphitheater, 3544 Kettle Moraine Road, Hartford, Wisconsin, 53027 on Friday, August 9, 2019. Celebration will pop off at 4:00 PM.  Memorial Service at 6:00 PM, followed by a continued celebration of Damian including storytelling, a slide show at dark, food, beverages and a bonfire with family and friends until 10:00 PM rain or shine. This will be a casual event. We would appreciate if you are able, to bring a dish to pass. Please contact Gayle, who is organizing the food by calling or texting her at 262-305-0178. The preferred attire will be one of the following, Damian’s favorite color-blue, Damian’s favorite football team-The Steelers, superhero gear or a Gresbachstrong shirt. Please bring a chair, your fishing license, fishing poles and BYOB. This is a State Park so you will either need a sticker or they give a discounted day rate for everyone of $5, just mention that you are there for the memorial service or amphitheater.

In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to the family.

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and our staff they comfort me. Psalms 23

“One day, we will all be together again… And what a grand reunion of our hearts it will be!”