Donald Joseph Gries, 84, of Fort Branch, IN, passed away at his home on April 28, 2024. He was born to the late Edward and Irene (Spindler) Gries on June 21,1939, in Fort Branch, IN.

Donald was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Fort Branch, the Knights of St. John #345 in Haubstadt, Fort Branch VFW post #2714, and the Haubstadt American Legion post #194. He also served on the Fort Branch Town Council. He married Donna Elpers on January 6, 1962, and together they had 3 beautiful children. Don worked as a supervisor at Whirlpool in Evansville for 35 years and after retirement he delivered parts for NAPA Auto Parts in Haubstadt for several years. He would typically bring a grandson or two with him on his deliveries. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and his great-granddaughter. His main hobby was restoring antique cars and had one restored for each of his children to drive at their wedding.

Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, James Gries.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Donna Gries of Fort Branch, IN; children, Donald E. (Debbie) Gries of Haubstadt, IN, Dennis (Mary Jo) Gries of Solsberry, IN, and Dana (Jason) Kremer of Fort Branch, IN; siblings, Larry (Jackie) Gries of Evansville, IN and Rita (Fred) Smith of Fort Branch, IN; sister-in-law, Mary Sue Gries of Fort Branch, IN; grandchildren, Hillary (Travis) Bulcher, Evan Gries, Johnathan West, Jarrett West, and Ella Gries; and a great-granddaughter, Lillian Bulcher.

The family would like to give their heartfelt appreciation to Heart-to-Heart Hospice for their excellent and loving care of Don.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 3, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Father Gary Kaiser as celebrant. Visitation will be on Friday, May 3, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until mass time at the church. Recitation of the Rosary will be at 9:00 a.m. at the church with the Knights of St. John leading the service. The burial and committal service will be at Holy Cross Cemetery following mass. Donations in his honor can be made to Heart-to-Heart Hospice and Holy Cross Catholic Church. Expressions of sympathy can be made at stodghillfuneralhome.com.

Heart to Heart Hospice
2532 Waterbridge Way, Evansville IN 47710
Tel: 1-812-482-2012
Web: https://www.htohhfoundation.org/

Holy Cross Catholic Church
305 E. Walnut St., Fort Branch IN 47648
Tel: 1-812-753-3548
Web: http://www.holycrossparish.info