Thomas Giese
Thomas “Tom” W. Giese, 88, Marshfield, formerly of Athens, passed away on Friday, Dec. 13, 2019.
He was born December 18, 1930, in Athens, son of the late Edward and Ruth (Jacobitz) Giese. On December 15, 1953, he married Helen Morse. She preceded him in death on July 19, 2018.
As a young man, Tom got his start working at Fromm Brothers Inc. and Viegut’s Chevrolet. For over 30 years Tom was an American Family Insurance agent. He especially enjoyed working alongside with his wife Helen until retirement. He was very active in the Athens community serving as a member of the village board, Cemetery Association, VFW, and Christ United Church council. Tom was a proud member of the Athens Area Fire Department for 44 years, serving as assistant chief for 18 years. His contributions and service to Athens were honored by receiving the 2003 Athenian Award.
Tom’s greatest joy was his family and time spent with them. His favorite past-times were hunting, fishing, gardening and a good Sheepshead game. Tom was a founding member of the Three Bears Hunting crew and thoroughly enjoyed his fishing trips to Canada and the Giese men fishing trips. Tommy’s one-liners will be remembered by his family and friends forever.
Tom proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.
Survivors include his children: Mary Jo and Peter Vander Grinten, Mark and Michele Giese, Lori and Mark Dougherty and Rick and Steph Giese; grandchildren: Jon Vander Grinten, Sara (Ryan) Goerlitz, Will (Katie Kramer) Dougherty, Riley Dougherty, Ben Giese and Stacey Giese; greatgrandchildren, Avie and Jonah Goerlitz; his siblings: Jackie Bergman, Nancy Streich and Ed (Marge) Giese; sisters-in-law: Nancy Albrecht, Alberta (Wayne) Walker and Sally (Lamont) Meinen; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Besides his parents and loving wife, he was preceded in death by his siblings, June Giese, Jim (Bernice) Giese, Shirley (George) Gluch, Robert (Carol) Giese, Rosemary (Daniel) Boxrucker and Joan (Harvey) Kufahl; and his brothers-in-law, Ron Bergman, Robert Streich and Kurt Raasch.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, at Christ United Church, Athens. The Rev. Teri Hanson will preside. Burial will be in the Athens Village Cemetery, where full military honors will be conducted by the Athens VFW and American Legion. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, and again on Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Paid obituary 82931
