DONALD GOMOLL

If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever. Donald Gomoll, age 90 of Neenah passed away with his family by his side on December 16, 2014. Don was born at home on Monroe St. in Neenah, to Charles and Alma (Reddin) Gomoll. He graduated Neenah High School in 1942 where he was a tennis stand out and talented drummer in the marching band. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp in 1943 and served his country in, the 8th Air Force-5th Air Sea Rescue. Stationed in England, he was a radar operator flying B-17 and PBY rescue planes. Don sailed home on the Queen Mary in 1945. You will never find a prouder veteran. He attended the University of Wisconsin to begin his career as a mechanical engineer. After the war, Don came home to discover a new neighbor. He met, fell in love with and married the girl next door. Arlene (Smith) Gomoll became his bride on September 29, 1951. As an engineer he worked at Neenah Foundry, Kimberly Clark and Appleton Machine Co. for a combined 45 years. He served his city as a Neenah Alderman on the City Council for 7 years. He was a Boys Brigader as a young boy and a Brigade leader as a parent. He was so proud to be from Neenah. Don was a family man first and foremost. His final thoughts were of his wife and children. Don was a handyman of epic proportions and seemed to be able to fix or build anything. As a huge Badgers fan, he spent many great afternoons at Camp Randall. Don was also a big Packer fan and he and Arlene became season ticket holders the year Lambeau was built. Being a life-long Cubs fan was not always easy, but he never stopped hoping for that World Series win. Perhaps they will find an angel in the outfield next season. Don enjoyed fishing and golfing and traveling the world with Arlene. He was a champion bowler and baseball player. He loved Big Band music, growing roses and dancing with his wife. He had a smile and a kindness that drew you to him. He loved to tease and tell "good" jokes. He was so proud of his children and never failed to support them, push them and celebrate their accomplishments. This continued on with his grandsons. Don will be greatly missed by his wife of 63 years, Arlene (Smith) Gomoll; his children: Ellen (Terry Starkey) Gomoll, Mound, MN, John (Susan) Gomoll, Flower Mound, Texas, Julie (Patrick) Lynn, Neenah; his grandchildren: James (Christi) Gomoll, Andy Gomoll, Daniel Gomoll, Zach Lynn, Parker Lynn; and his great-grandchild, Logan Gomoll; His sister, Shirley (Vic) Mattson, Hattiesburg, MS. Don was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Marion Hanson. All who knew Don are invited to celebrate his life and raise a glass of Pepsi in his honor. The Funeral Service for Don will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, December 22, 2014 at St. Paul Lutheran Church (200 N. Commercial St, Neenah) with Rev. Paul L. Holte officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church on Monday from 10:00 AM until the hour of the service. Military Honors will follow the service, performed by the Neenah/Menasha Veterans Honor Guard. Don was a proud member of the VFW and American Legion. A memorial fund is being established in his name. Our family would like to thank the staff at Cherry Meadows Hospice and AMC for their kindness and loving care of Don and us.