Jeffrey "Jeff" Donald Reffke

Jeffrey Donald Reffke “Jeff” age 63, of Neenah, passed away March 15, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. On February 28, 2023 he suffered a severe hemorrhagic stroke, which resulted in Jeff being in a coma.  Jeff was born on October 17, 1959, in Appleton to Karen A. (LaViolette) and the late Donald T. Reffke. He graduated from Fox Valley Lutheran High School in 1979 and was a member of Riverview Ev. Lutheran Church, both of Appleton. 

A self-taught mechanic, starting in his high school days under the hood with his dad and friends from the neighborhood. His ability to customize and rebuild any old car that came his way was a talent that he took pride in. Most recently, he was putting the final touches on his 1951 Chevy, ready for summer cruisin’ and Symco, Pierce Park and License to Cruise. 

His love for cars, loud engines and the smell of burnt rubber led him to the many NASCAR tracks cheering on his favorite drivers, Dale Earnhardt, Dale Jr., and Kyle Busch to name a few.

Not just a car mechanic, but also a Brunswick Mechanic for over 35 years at many of the area bowling centers, with the last several years he was an integral part of the operations at Rev’s Bowl in Oshkosh. The favorite part of his job was the friendships that developed through the years, his work “family” and boss/friend/”son” Erik Gialdella. Jeff’s passing happened just as Women’s State Tournaments started, leaving also another loss to the bowling family.

Jeff was also well known for his family planned adventures, “Sunday Fundays” he would post on Facebook, “Out with Vic and the kids” Finding a new brewery, winery, or museum, hiking trail, or a visit to Door County were a few of the many places he enjoyed.

But…the happiest and proudest time of all was when he became a Grandpa 18 months ago, he enjoyed his Grandson, Maverick so much, you could see his eyes light up when he talked about all the adventures he had planned for them.

Jeff is survived by his soul mate and love of his life of 40 years, Vicky J (Johnson) Reffke, married on April 3, 1982. Son, Erik (Jessica) Reffke and Grandson Maverick. Also Teagan, Hooch and Potter the family pets.  Mother, Karen A. Reffke, Sister, Lori (Gerry) Christianson, Godparents, Robert LaViolette and Gail Reffke. Sister in law, Gail (Jeff) Huss, Brother in law, Leo (Sue) Johnson, Wayne Johnson family Diane, Sue, Ron and Dan., Nieces and Nephews, Dawn (Ben) Jaskolski, Ryan (Melissa) Johnson, Stephanie (Cameron) Kuba, Stephen Huss, Matt, Lauren and Makayla Johnson and many other Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Great-Nieces and Nephews.

Preceded in death by Donald T. Reffke, Leo Johnson Sr., Elsie Johnson, Wayne Johnson, Tracy Huss, and Grandparents, Theodore and Georgiana Reffke, Sydney and Gretna LaViolette, also Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

A memorial service for Jeff will be held, Friday, March 24, 2023 at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N. Richmond St. Appleton at 11am, officiated by Pastor Tim Wagner. Visitation will begin at 9am until the hour of service.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a local animal rescue of your choosing.

Next time you stop in the local pub or brewery, raise a glass in honor of Jeff.

The family would like to thank all the emergency and medical staff at Theda Clark-Neenah, your kind words and compassionate care will never be forgotten.

To all the friends, family and neighbors for their prayers, support, and helping hand in this tragic time, also a heartfelt thanks to Pastor Tim Wagner of Riverview Ev. Lutheran Church for the time and prayers he shared with Jeff and the family.

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