Gerald "Goat" Griesen

Gerald R. “Goat” Griesen, 71, a lifelong resident of Dover died Wednesday morning, Jan. 10, 2018 in the Community Hospice (Truman) House in New Philadelphia following a period of declining health.
Following retirement at the Greer Steel Company in Dover following 32 years of service he worked for the Ohio Highway Patrol both in New Philadelphia and Cambridge for 15 years until his retirement in 2014.

Born Sept. 15, 1946 in Dover, he was the son of the late Robert and Edna (Hanni) Griesen. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Carl.

He was a member of the New Philadelphia Elks Lodge and member of the former Dover VFW. After graduating from the 1964 Class at Dover High School where he played football and baseball, Goat proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was an avid golfer and in his earlier years, Gerald enjoyed playing baseball in the Tuscarawas County Class A baseball league. He was inducted into the Cy Young Oldtimers Hall of Fame in 2002. He and his wife, Vicki enjoyed traveling but never missed his children and grandchildren’s school activities and sporting events. He was also a diehard Cleveland sports fan.

He will be sadly missed by his family that includes his wife of 48 years, Vicki (McDade) Griesen who were married on Nov. 27, 1969; two children, Mike (Robin Maurer) Griesen and Nicole (Jody) Stoldt both of Dover; six grandchildren, Logan, Morgan, Mason, Isabelle, Cole and Tori; two sisters, Shirley Blake and Nancy Griesen both of Dover; sister in law, Debbie (Joe) Kinsey of Dover and a special niece, Kelli (Tom) Clinard of Raleigh, North Carolina.

Friends may call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory in Dover on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018 from 1-4pm. At his request, cremation will follow the visitation and the Dover VFW will conduct a private graveside service at a later date in the Dover Burial Park. Those who would like to share a memory and sign the online guestbook may do so by visiting the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Ave. S.W., New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.