Donald A. Gensch

Donald A. Gensch, 87, of Beaver Dam passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at his home with his family by his side.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Bayside Supper Club in Beaver Dam on Sunday, March 23, from 2-5 p.m.  Please join Don’s family for refreshments and sharing of memories. Private family inurnment will be held at Oakwood Cemetery with graveside military honors provided by the Beaver Dam American Legion Post #146.

Donald was born on September 6, 1937 the son of Alfred and Erma (Schroeder) Gensch in the Town of Lowell, Wisconsin.  He was a 1955 graduate of Beaver Dam High School. Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and proudly served in active duty for 3 years and in the reserves for another 3 years, honorably discharged in 1961. On March 14, 1959, he was united in marriage with Barbara L. Bortz and they shared 64 wonderful years of marriage until her passing in 2023.

A dedicated dairy farmer, Don poured his heart and soul into his work tending to his family, land, and livestock with unwavering commitment.  In the 80’s and 90’s, he would often milk the cows early to go to local race tracks to watch the Badger Midgets.  He enjoyed playing softball; golfing and casino trips with Barb; sharing stories with his children about his adventures in the service; shooting the breeze with the neighbors; and watching sports on TV. Don was a devoted husband and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Don will be deeply missed by his children: Corinne Falbe of Beaver Dam, Mark (Leanne) Gensch of Reeseville, Lora (Doug) Bahr of Beaver Dam, Robert (Jennifer) Gensch of Watertown, and Greg Gensch of Beaver Dam; 17 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; brothers- and sisters-in-law: Gerald (Betty) Bortz of Beaver Dam, Wayne (Barbara) Bortz of DePere, Ralph Desjarlais of Horicon, Carolyn Bortz of DeForest, and Alice Gensch of South Dakota.  He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Barbara, his sister Marlene Schultz and his brother Richard Gensch; sisters-in-law Monita Hupf, Joan Goodrich, and Jean Desjarlais; brothers-in-law Phil McDonald, Arthur “Bill” Schietrumpf, Donald “Bugs” Goodrich, Richard Bortz, Jerome Hupf, and Vernard Schultz; nieces and nephews.

Don’s legacy of work, kindness, and love for his farm will live on in the lives of his family and all who knew him.

The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family.  Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com.