11/07/2021: It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Ryan Giefer passed away on November 3, 2021. Ryan was a 2012 graduate of the University of Wisconsin in Stevens Point. He served as the Superintendent of the Wisconsin Rapids Wastewater Treatment Plant since 2017 and had previously operated at Stevens Point and Waupaca. Ryan was effective and active in the profession. Ryan was a member of the Wisconsin Section Operations Committee, was the current Chair of the CSWEA Technical Program committee and was the 2019 Wisconsin Operator of the Year as recognized by CSWEA. Ryan was generous with his knowledge and experience, hosting visitors for pilot tests that he conducted, sitting on panels, and speaking at seminars. He wasn’t afraid to ask questions and learn from his peers and in the same facet wouldn’t think twice before helping them. He yearned to improve on what he had to make his facility the best it could be. He was extremely proud of his staff and what they had accomplished. He will be remembered as a doer, a troubleshooter, a mentor and a leader.  Our industry has lost a shining star and a young family has lost their husband and father and for this we mourn. From your friends on the WI Section Operations Committee and from all of us at CSWEA, we thank you Ryan for your input and service. May you rest in peace.

WWOA joins CSWEA in mourning the loss, in a tragic accident, of one of our wastewater leaders, Ryan Giefer, superintendent at the Wisconsin Rapids wastewater treatment facility.  In addition to his CSWEA involvement, Ryan was also very active in WWOA.

Here is some more information on Ryan’s service as well as a memorial fund that has been set up for his family.  Ryan leaves behind his wife and three small children, with the youngest just three weeks old.

Information we have regarding the visitation and a link to a Go Fund Me for Ryan’s family are below.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/ryan-giefer-obituary?id=31357963

https://www.gofundme.com/f/surrounding-the-giefer-family-with-love?qid=6f5b8acb60ccf68f1adbf46b340347dd