Donald J. Schleiss Jr. Age 71, of Rice Lake, WI, entered the gates of eternal life while holding his wife’s hand on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 in Marshfield, WI.

Don was born on August 14, 1952 in Olivia, MN to Donald J and Margaret (Filzen) Schleiss Sr.

When Don was three years old they moved to Wisconsin. Don attended Haugen Elementary and St. Joseph’s elementary schools. He graduated in 1970 from Rice Lake High School. He studied psychology at UW Green Bay. Don married Margaret “Maggie” Moyer on December 18, 1976 at the Shinako Campground in Rice Lake, WI. On a beautiful fall day, August 26, 2022, Don married Judy L. Albee in a ceremony in their yard. Don worked for Gerhardt in the oil industry as a completion specialist while living in Woodward, Oklahoma. When the oil industry hit bottom, he moved back to Wisconsin purchasing the property where he would reside the rest of his life. Don was employed at Seneca Foods Corporation until his health forced his retirement. Don was a man of mechanical talent. Magic words were, “It can’t be fixed”. To Don everything could be fixed. He did maintenance at Lee’s Cleaners in Rice Lake and Ficcello’s In Hayward. Don was Judy’s partner in managing the Webster Fair 4-H Food Stand when Judy’s parents retired from the position. He also assisted her in her catering business, Judy’s Cakes and Catering. Her wedding cakes, were always level by use of Don’s level! Big in stature, Don’s heart was even bigger. He had a compassion for those less fortunate. Family included special friends. They all enjoyed his quick wit and sense of humor. Don enjoyed family get togethers, fishing, hunting for agates and mushrooms and playing cards. He loved a good auction or garage sale and bringing home his treasures. He could spot something laying in the ditch or along the road from quite a distance. It could usually be scrapped or someone might need it someday.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Maggie; a brother, Jerome; and a sister-in-law, Lenore Schleiss.

He will be greatly missed by his wife, Judy; his siblings, Mark Schleiss of Hortonville, WI, Carole Schleiss of Hudson, WI, Gregg (Missy) Schleiss of Rice Lake, Lisa Schleiss of New Richmond, Kenan Schleiss of Hudson, WI, John Schleiss (Shellie Johnson) of Jacksonville, IL and Steven Schleiss (Erica Huber) of Rice Lake; along with many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Visitation for Don will be held on Monday, January 15, 2024 at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake from 4-7PM and for one hour prior to his funeral service on Tuesday. A Celebration of life will be held at Noon, Tuesday, January 16 at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals, with a luncheon to follow at the Rice Lake Moose Lodge. Burial will be held at the Lorain Cemetery in Indian Creek, WI. Pallbearers will be Duane Coleman, Bret Paradise, Darrell Pierce, Bill Rebak, Ashton Schleiss and Joe Schleiss.

Last Update: Jan 11, 2024 2:01 pm CST