Thomas C. Greiner (Bear), age 69, resident of both Wildlife Bar & Campground in Birnamwood, WI, & Superstition Lookout RV Resort of Apache Junction, AZ, passed away on November 30, 2024, in Arizona with Kizzy, his wife of 35 years at his side.
Bear was born on June 13, 1955, the son of Carl and Rose Mary (Bowers) Greiner. He attended Freedom High School prior to joining the family business of Greiner Trucking with his Dad and 2 brothers, hauling milk for his entire working career. He had a passion for riding motorcycles, taking many trips out West, as well as enjoying his weekly rides with the boys. Bear also had a love for golf and sitting around a campfire with cocktails.
Bear married Shirley Vande Hey (Kizzy) on July 14, 1989, along with her children Colleen (Mark) Hansen, Craig (Bonnie) Micke and Christa Zuleger (friend Mark Woelfel). Over the years the family grew with grandchildren and great-grandchildren including Abigail Hansen, Derek (Shannon) Hansen, Dillan (Kasey) Micke with great-grandsons Jax & Oliver Micke, Rachel Micke (fiancé Sawyer Rode), Ray Zuleger and Kelly Zuleger.
Bear is survived by his siblings, Ann (Terry) Kloehn, Lynn Greiner, Debbie Greiner, Tim (Ethel) Greiner, Mike (Shari) Greiner, Laurie (Jerry) Tank, Lisa (Greg) Manteuffel, and Kizzy’s siblings, Donna Weyers, Audrey (Jim) Temmer, Pete Vande Hey, Jan Van Rossum, Sharon (Carl) Theunis, Dick Vande Hey, Al Vande Hey, Debbie Van Handel (Joe), as well as many nieces and nephews.
We are so thankful for Hospice of the Valley – Arizona, who cared for Bear – they are the true angels. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local hospice. The cremation will be held in Arizona, with Bear’s remains returning to Wisconsin at a later date.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Buzz’s Pub & Grill, W2116 County Road S, Freedom, WI, on Friday, December 6, 2024 from 9:30-11:30 am, with a Remembrance & Toast at 11:30 am, followed by a luncheon and beverages.
Sincerest sympathies and care to you Kizzy and the Greiner and VandeHey families. How lucky are you/we all to have known such a kind, fun and gently spirited teddy BEAR. Rest in peace friend, until we meet again.
Rest in peace buddy! You will always be riding with us!
I remember bear all to well known him and kizzy some thirty years or better I remember when bear came by his brother in laws farm where he would pick up milk by Kenny peters place and imagine who the tall drink a water was milking Kenny’s cows not knowing I would work for him and kizzy years later a good friend and a good person surly will be missed gods speed to you all
My sincere sympathy Shirl and family. You and Bear were a great team. Take care and God Bless
My sincere sympathy, Shirl. You and Bear were a great team. Take care and God Bless.
Kizzy and family, our heart breaks for you. Stay strong and keep the memories close. Bear was a great guy and will be missed.
Kim and Juggy
I am so very sorry Kizzy. Bernie and I always enjoyed talking to Bear. Many memories. Take care of yourself.
Sincerest sympathies and care to you Kizzy and the Greiner and VandeHey families. How lucky are you/we all to have known such a kind, fun and gently spirited teddy BEAR. Rest in peace friend, until we meet again.
Rest in peace buddy! You will always be riding with us!
I remember bear all to well known him and kizzy some thirty years or better I remember when bear came by his brother in laws farm where he would pick up milk by Kenny peters place and imagine who the tall drink a water was milking Kenny’s cows not knowing I would work for him and kizzy years later a good friend and a good person surly will be missed gods speed to you all
My sincere sympathy Shirl and family. You and Bear were a great team. Take care and God Bless
My sincere sympathy, Shirl. You and Bear were a great team. Take care and God Bless.
Kizzy and family, our heart breaks for you. Stay strong and keep the memories close. Bear was a great guy and will be missed.
Kim and Juggy
I am so very sorry Kizzy. Bernie and I always enjoyed talking to Bear. Many memories. Take care of yourself.