Donald Ernest Griesel, 83, a former resident of St. Maries, Idaho, passed away March 3, 2026, at Life Care Center in Post Falls, Idaho.

Don was born October 19, 1942, in Bloomfield, New Jersey, to Henry and Ellie Griesel. He graduated from Bloomfield High School and soon after entered the United States Navy in 1960, beginning what would become a long and distinguished 20-year military career.

During his first ten years in the Navy, Don served aboard various submarines, a challenging assignment that suited his adventurous and determined spirit. He later spent the next decade working with deep submergence vehicles, an elite and specialized field within the Navy. Among the highlights of his career, Don spent three years assigned to the Bathyscaphe Trieste, the world’s deepest-diving manned submersible capable of reaching depths of 20,000 feet. It was an experience he remained proud of throughout his life, and his service to his country was something he carried with great pride.

While stationed in Hawaii, Don married Joan Cardone in Honolulu. Together they built a life and raised two sons, Robert and Donald. Following his retirement from the Navy in 1980, Don moved his family to St. Maries, Idaho, where he embraced the rural lifestyle he loved. With the help of his family, he developed 20 acres of land and built a log home, creating a place where many memories were made.

Don was a straightforward, no-nonsense man who enjoyed the simple things in life—especially the outdoors. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and took every opportunity to spend time in the mountains and woods. He also enjoyed water skiing and made trips to Mexico where he loved fishing and relaxing by the water.

In the St. Maries community, Don became well known for his spirited opinions and his frequent “Letters to the Editor” published in the Gazette Record. Never one to shy away from a debate, he had a reputation for speaking his mind and “stirring the pot,” something he did with enthusiasm and conviction. Whether the topic was local issues or national politics, Don enjoyed the discussion and the exchange of ideas.

Don is survived by his sons, Robert (Mindy) Griesel of St. Maries, Idaho, and Donald (Amy) Griesel of Spokane, Washington; his grandson, Andrew (Amy) Griesel of Colorado; and his great-grandson, Ziggy Jay Griesel. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan; his parents; and his brother, Eric Griesel.

Military honors will be presented for Don on May 1, 2026 at Noon at Woodlawn Cemetery in St. Maries, ID.