Deacon Donald Roland Nass

Deacon Donald Roland Nass, age 91, of Appleton, Wisconsin, went to his eternal home on April 26, 2024 at Dimensions Senior Living in Appleton, WI.  He was born on September 22, 1932 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, son of the late Eleanor (Penzenstadler) and Roland John Nass.  Don married the love of his life, Yvonne Nass (Gagnon), on June 26, 1954, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Deacon Don was a life-long learner.  He held two degrees from UW-Oshkosh in language arts and a master’s degree in psychology and counseling.  In 1987 Deacon Don obtained a master’s degree from Loyola University in pastoral studies.  He taught English and Latin in his early years and later was a guidance counselor at Xavier High School, Appleton.  In 1987 Deacon Don was called to ministry of the parishioners at St. Stanislaus (White Lake) and St. James (Langlade) Catholic Churches.  Upon retirement, Deacon Don and Yvonne moved to Redgranite where he continued to minister at St. Mark Catholic church.  Deacon Don and Yvonne wintered in the Texas Hill Country.  

Outside of his professional and family life, Deacon Don enjoyed gardening, crewel embroidery, and playing cards.  He will be remembered for his deep love of Jesus, his faith, his dedication to his family, and his ministry to all that met him.

Deacon Donald Nass will be deeply missed by his children: Marci Escamilla (Ed), Mark Nass (Kim), Mike Nass (Lisa), and Michelle Griggs (David).  He is survived by his sister Diane (Nass) Steckbauer and in-law siblings: Blanche and Jack Rink, Thelma Kalinosky, Gregory and Gail Gagnon.  Deacon Don was preceded in death by Yvonne (2/17/24) and his son, Thomas R. Nass.  Deacon Don was a loving grandfather to eight grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.

A mass of Christian burial will be at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 1617 W. Pine St., Appleton, WI 54915 on Saturday, June 15th at 11:00 a.m. with Msgr. John Schuh and Fr. Bob Karuhn presiding. Friends and family can greet the family on Saturday, June 15th from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the mass at the church.

Deacon Don’s family would like to thank the caring Staff at Dimensions Living in Appleton, and Moments Hospice for their love and the compassionate care given to Deacon Don.  We would especially like to acknowledge Robert "Bob" Archer, Life Enrichment and Spiritual Care Director, Missy Van Camp, RN, Director of Nursing, Tina Miller, CNA, Clinical Staff Coordinator, and from Moments Hospice, Tonya and Brooke. 

In lieu of flowers, the family will be setting up a memorial for Alzheimer's and dementia research.