Greg L. Doverspike, age 69, of Eau Galle, died Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at the Chippewa Valley Hospital in Durand with his family by his side after a four year battle with cancer.
Greg was born on May 4, 1948 in Menomonie. He was the son of Joyce Doverspike and grew up in the Eau Galle and Eau Claire area. Greg graduated from Sacred Heart High School-Lima, rural Durand. After high school, Greg was drafted into the U.S. Army and served stateside for two years and was Honorably Discharged. He married Rita Weber on August 12, 1972 at St. Henry Catholic Church in Eau Galle. After marriage, they lived in Durand, at which Greg received a business administration degree from UW-Eau Claire. In 1976, Greg and Rita moved to Osseo, where he went to work for Durand Federal Savings and Loan for four years. Greg then worked for Greater Insurance Services for 36 years in Osseo. Greg and Rita moved to Eau Galle in 2007, where Greg remained the rest of his life. Greg retired on June 1, 2016.
Greg enjoyed watching youth, high school and college sports, especially his grandchildren’s events. He was a member of the Osseo Lions Club, Commercial Club, Lake Martha Days Committee, the American Legion and he co-founded the Osseo Holiday Lights. Greg was also a member of the Eau Galle Sportsman Club, St. Henry Catholic Church and he continued his tradition of holiday lights by decorating his house in Eau Galle. Most of all, Greg loved traveling to Branson with his wife, taking his family on vacations and spending time with his grandchildren.
Greg is survived by his wife of 45 years, Rita, two children; Kristine and Eric Tree of Pine Island, MN, Greg C. and Natalie of Durand, four grandchildren; Christopher and Hanna Tree and Madeline and Connor Doverspike, one sister; Georgene (Bob) Sobottka of Eau Galle, one brother; Todd Doverspike of Durand, mother-in-law; Lorraine Weber of Elmwood, many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his mother; Joyce Doverspike.
Funeral Mass will be 11:00 AM Saturday, September 2, 2017 at St. Henry Catholic Church in Eau Galle with Rev. Jerry Hoeser officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Durand American Legion Post #181. Visitation will be held from 4-8 PM Friday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred in Greg’s name to the Chippewa Valley Hospital or the Durand Education Foundation.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.
Condolences
Jonathan Wood
Recently, while working on an account located in Northwestern Wisconsin, Greg's name popped into my head and I thought I would look him up and see how he was doing. It deeply saddened me to learn that he had passed away. Greg was one of the first agents I worked with as a commercial insurance underwriter and our discussions have always stayed with me. As a brand new professional, literally just out of college, he always gave me the straight answer and was never shy about giving blunt advise. Often, our conversations would linger on past the initial work related question and touch on everything from sports to good places to eat to more personal topics like being a good husband and father. Only on rare exception did our calls not end in laughter or jokes. He even introduced me to Norske Nook pies! Greg was a heck of a guy; not only a great person to work with, but a great guy to just know.
Dennis Tozier
I was just going through some old Army information and thought of Greg. I looked him up on the internet and was sorry to discover that he had passed away. I knew him in the Army at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. We were classmates going through training at the Medical Field Service School to be EEG (electroencephalograph) technicians. There were only four of us so we remained close during the training. Somewhere I have a photo of us during training. We were an unusual group in that we were all draftees getting advanced training usually reserved for enlistees with longer Army obligations. Prior to this we had all completed Basic Combat Training, Combat Medic Training, and Psychiatric Technician Training in order to qualify for EEG training. After graduation we were sent to different duty assignments. Unfortunately I never had contact with Greg after that. I am pleased to see that he did well following the Army. Although it is late, my sincere condolences to his family for their loss.
Paula Smith
To Rita Kris and Greg. I'm so sorry for the loss of your dad he was a very nice man I remember how they used to. talk to dad after church and things. I'll keep you all in my prayers. Paula. Smith
Emily and Dennis Wilkinson
Our deepest sympathies to the family. We always enjoyed a visit with Greg when we stopped by the Alliance Bank.
Thom Rutherford
Wow! Greg: Look at the line up of the wonderful people that took the time to send caring thoughts for you and family!!! Amazing , much like you were!!
If my memory serves me correctly, Our good friend Jerry Schneider, was the one that that gave you the nickname preacher.
Our thoughts and prayers to your family and friends and always remember that you did a great job to earn that respect and now the memory of you!!! Your preaching has just begun. Old friend, Thom.
James Gannon
Would like to send my condolences out to Rita and the rest of the family. This comes as a shock, I wouldn't have ever thought that Greg would get cancer. My Prayers go out to the whole family...
Glenda Williamson
Rita - I'm so sorry for your loss. Greg was truly a wonderful person. Kind, considerate, honest, always willing to help - just an awesome man to know. I do consider myself to be blessed by knowing both of you! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ellen Koxlien
My condolences to Rita and family. I enjoyed working with Greg..he always made us smile whenever he called the office. Sorry for your loss.
Kim Lossmann
I am so sorry for your loss.
Darce Blewett Sahm
SENDING OUR CONDOLENCES. Our prayers are with you .
Kathleen Hogstad
Rita and family.So sorry for the loss of Greg. He was a great man. Prayers sent to you and you and your family and this hard time.
Suzi Crownhart
My sympathy Rita to you and your family.
Steve Gunderson
To Greg's Family:
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember fondly the years Greg and all of you lived in Osseo. During my political career Greg was always a loyal friend and supporter. His smile and enthusiasm were always infectious in the best ways. Thanks for sharing this wonderful guy with so many of us in different ways. May faith, family and friends sustain you until you can move from sadness to celebration of all that he meant to so many. Steve Gunderson
Todd Grams
I am truly sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of working and knowing Greg for a long time. He will bemissed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathy Schellfeffer
Dear Rita, Kristine & Greg C. :
Our deepest sympathy to you & your families.
We have such fond memories of camping @ Sisko's
Camp ground with the Osseo gang. Our son Mike
still has fish he caught with Greg on mounts in his apartment. We are so sorry for your loss.
The Schellfeffer family
Heather Heidtke
I was very saddened to hear of Greg's passing, he was such a great man. I am happy to have had the chance to know and work with him for the last 16 years, he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Mary Robelia
Rita, you are in my prayers for strength as you remember and treasure the memories of Greg. He was always very kind and willing to help in anyway possible. I knew if I had any questions, I could call on him without hesitation. I will remember him fondly with a smile and warm heart. Blessing to you and your family.
Mary Bliesener
To say that I'm so sorry for your loss, to all of Greg's family does not seem like saying enough - his loss is felt by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Christine Polzer
My prayers and sympathy to all of Greg's family and loved ones. He could always make me smile and laugh! A very kind hearted man. God bless.
Kerry Nichols
I am so sorry for your family's loss. He was a great man that will be dearly missed. Greg and I had may great talks over the years that I will truly charish.Rip Greg.
Judy and John Parr
Our heart goes out to all ar this hard time. He was a great person to be around.
Allan & Pat Baier
So sorry for your loss, Preach was a good guy and we will pray for him and his family.
Mary Lynn (Knutson) Smith
Ken and I send our sincere condolences to Greg's family. I have many fond memories of our high school days together at Lima, including a bunch of us piling into Greg's car and each of us throwing in a quarter for gas which would last us an entire afternoon!
Lisa & Eric Boettcher
Hugs and prayers to the whole family! The smile Greg always had on his face will never be forgotten! What a wonderful man!
Babe Ross
My deepest sympathy to Greg's family and friends. What a great man he was. God took another good man home. Cherish the memories that will live in your hearts forever.
Judy Solberg
Rita and family; You have my deepest sympathies! You are in my thoughts and prayers.May your many good memories bring you peace in the coming days Judy
Tonya Hagen
I'm so sorry for your loss. Greg was a great guy and will be missed by many. I know how much his family meant to him as he was at every event his kids were into. I remember Greg driving us girls around in the brown van to our softball games when we were little. His life was too short but what he accomplished and what an amazing family he has created still lives on. Greg is now at peace and partying with Kent Diehl. I can only imagine what those two are doing. Keep his memories alive. RIP Greg. Thank you for being you. Sending prayers and hugs your way.
Sherri Gjermo
What a loss we feel at Greater Insurance Service. Greg was like family, we have many fond memories of him. God bless all of you and know you're in our hearts and prayers. Big hug Rita
Sherri Gjermo
Carolyn & Steve Mais
Rita and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Greg was such a nice man and always had a smile. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jane Jafferi
I remember Greg from our high school days. He was a great guy. My prayers are with you.
Rita Princko
My Deepest Sympathy and thoughts and prayers to you Rita and your family.
Mike and Holly Doverspike
Dear Rita, Gorgene, Todd and entire family,
Holly and I want the express our sincere sorrow for your loss. Know that are prayers and kind thoughts are for each of you.
Greg fought a tough battle, but now rests in peace.
Joe Fitzgerald
Our condolences to you..... memories came immediately of Greg in our Lima Band....may he Rest In Peace..... thoughts and prayers to you !
Joe and Joan Fitzgerald
Judi and Gary bauer
So sorry for your loss Rita and family. Our prayers are for you and your family. We loved visiting with Greg whenever we saw him. RIP Greg vymi
Kristine A Polzer
So sorry to hear of Greg's passing. He was a year older than me and used to run into him when we were much younger. Our sympathies to Rita and his family.
Dave and Kris Polzer
Carrie Kremel
So sorry for your loss Rita. He will be deeply missed. My sympathy and prayers to you and your family. God Bless.
Pat Rosenberg
We don't know God's reasons for taking the best back to Him, and Greg is surely one of the best. I guess he struggled long enough with pain. I will miss him. I just wish I would have spent more time with him here in Eau Galle. His mom and my mom were good friends and they always had some fun times. Oh those bowling trips. I wouldn't put anything past them. We had our fun in high school at Lima. Preach always had some great fun ideas. We tried not to get in trouble. We usually didn't, but we sure had some great times. Greg, our turn will come. I hope you are now at peace and are enjoying the wonders of paradise. You were a good man. You will be missed dearly. And know we loved you very much.
bonnie gibson
My heartfelt condolences for your loss. We sure had some great times in the old days. He was a great friend and cousin. I will miss him.
Patti Blount
I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Greg. He was a very nice guy to talk to when he came into the Library. Sympathy to the family during this difficult time.
Jeff Arbs
It was truly a pleasure working with and getting to know Greg for the past 30+ years. Greg will be deeply missed. Sending heeling prayers and comforting hugs.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Mary Unser Brantner
All my sympathy & prayers.
Naomi Selzler
So sad to hear of the passing of Greg. I worked with him for 15 years when he worked at Greater Insurance. Everyday that I got to talk with Greg, he always put a smile on my face and made my day that much brighter. I never considered Greg just another agent; I considered him and Rita my dear friends. My heart aches but I know he is in a better place and no more suffering. I will forever cherish my memories I had with Greg. Sending my deepest sympathies to the entire family. May God bless you and lend you his hand during this difficult time.
Connie Harmon
Rita, I just read of "Preach's" death. As you probably know that was his nickname all through high school. I was not aware of his cancer. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great guy and I have such fond memories of our high school days. My deepest condolences. Take care, Connie Harmon