1932
Francis
2018
Francis H. "Frank" Giesen
September 16, 1932 — December 22, 2018
Francis Henry "Frank" Giesen, 86, of Marshall, passed away at home in the early morning hours of Saturday, December 22, 2018.
Frank was born to Math and Barbara (Klinkhammer) Giesen on September 16, 1932 at home in Union Hill, MN, the youngest of 15 children. He grew up on a farm and the skills and knowledge he learned growing up transferred to his home garden, wood working, fixing and making things around the house. It seemed there was nothing he didn't know at least a little something about and couldn't help his children and grandchildren with.
He loved languages and majored in Modern Languages at St John University in Collegeville, MN.
After graduating as a Johnnie, Frank joined the army in 1954 and served for two years. He served in the Korean War as an interpreter, stationed in Germany.
After his honorable discharge, he joined State Farm where he worked in Life Company his entire 38 year career before retiring as Life/Health Manager in 1995 with the designations of CLU, CPCU and FLMI.
On June 13, 1959, Frank married Harriet Barten in Union Hill. Harriet was the absolute love of his life and he lived out his days loving and cherishing her. That love brought about seven children whom he and Harriet raised.
Frank and Harriet moved around the country several times with State Farm. They lived in California, where their oldest daughter was born, Indiana, where the next five were born and finally Michigan, where their youngest son was born. Upon moving to Marshall, they joined St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church where Frank played a very active role. At St. Mary he acted as a lector and Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist for over 30 years. He sang in the choir as well. He was a prominent and active member of Knights of Columbus, Fr Barrett Council #5999 Marshall and of Fr. Sadler 4th Degree Assembly 505 Battle Creek. His faith life was of utmost importance to him and he made sure his children shared that importance.
Frank was very involved in his community as well. He was a member of the Marshall Athletic Boosters for many years. For over 25 years he served on the Oaklawn Hospital Board, including a stint as Board Director for several years. After retirement he also volunteered as an Oaklawn Auxillary member.
Above all, Frank was the consummate family man. His wife, seven children and 24 grand and great-grandchildren were his life. Even after his health made getting around more difficult, he rarely missed an athletic or school event they were involved in. In fact, the week of his death, he watched his great-grandsons play basketball at Mar Lee. Sunday breakfast at Grandpa's and Grandma's happened nearly every week and was one of his favorite moments of the week. He loved to make breakfast for as many of his family members he could, and they all knew their friends were welcome as well.
Anyone who knew Frank, knew how he loved his Fighting Irish! Go ND! He loved being outdoors, whether it be in the garden, yard or woods. He taught his grandsons to hunt and they shared that love. He enjoyed fishing, golf, and especially liked his Wednesday morning golf outings and breakfasts with friends from church.
He loved music, euchre, bad jokes and puns, beer and having fun. He was always thrilled when we walked through the front door to visit and was well-known around the neighborhood and town for his great attitude, joy of life and outgoing spirit.
Surviving Frank is Harriet, his wife of 59 years. He is also survived by his children Heidi (Al) Beattie, Gretchen (Jim) Peters, Andy Giesen of Marshall, Chris Giesen of St. Augustine, FL, Molly Fulmer of Marshall, Sara (Keith) Kurowski of Niles, MI and David (Stacy) Giesen of Marshall. Many grandchildren and great-grandchildren also survive.
Friends will gather with family at the Marshall Chapel of Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services on Thursday December 27th from 4PM-7PM followed by the wake of the deceased.
Funeral mass will be Friday, December 28th at 11:00 am at St Mary of the Immaculate Conception church in Marshall, followed by a funeral lunch at St. Mary Parish Center.
Private burial will be Saturday December 29th..
If Frank touched your life the family would prefer a memorial contribution to Knights of Columbus Council #5999 or Doris Klaussen Developmental Center (where his grandson Simon attends school). If you are unable to contribute at the funeral home, you may mail them to Kempf Funeral Home PO Box 519 Marshall, MI 49068.
To leave the family a message and sign the on line guest register visit www.kempffuneralhome.com.
723 US HWY 27 North
Marshall, MI, 49068
723 US HWY 27 North
Marshall, MI, 49068
Marshall, MI, 49068
Marshall, MI, 49068
Frank was born to Math and Barbara (Klinkhammer) Giesen on September 16, 1932 at home in Union Hill, MN, the youngest of 15 children. He grew up on a farm and the skills and knowledge he learned growing up transferred to his home garden, wood working, fixing and making things around the house. It seemed there was nothing he didn't know at least a little something about and couldn't help his children and grandchildren with.
He loved languages and majored in Modern Languages at St John University in Collegeville, MN.
After graduating as a Johnnie, Frank joined the army in 1954 and served for two years. He served in the Korean War as an interpreter, stationed in Germany.
After his honorable discharge, he joined State Farm where he worked in Life Company his entire 38 year career before retiring as Life/Health Manager in 1995 with the designations of CLU, CPCU and FLMI.
On June 13, 1959, Frank married Harriet Barten in Union Hill. Harriet was the absolute love of his life and he lived out his days loving and cherishing her. That love brought about seven children whom he and Harriet raised.
Frank and Harriet moved around the country several times with State Farm. They lived in California, where their oldest daughter was born, Indiana, where the next five were born and finally Michigan, where their youngest son was born. Upon moving to Marshall, they joined St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church where Frank played a very active role. At St. Mary he acted as a lector and Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist for over 30 years. He sang in the choir as well. He was a prominent and active member of Knights of Columbus, Fr Barrett Council #5999 Marshall and of Fr. Sadler 4th Degree Assembly 505 Battle Creek. His faith life was of utmost importance to him and he made sure his children shared that importance.
Frank was very involved in his community as well. He was a member of the Marshall Athletic Boosters for many years. For over 25 years he served on the Oaklawn Hospital Board, including a stint as Board Director for several years. After retirement he also volunteered as an Oaklawn Auxillary member.
Above all, Frank was the consummate family man. His wife, seven children and 24 grand and great-grandchildren were his life. Even after his health made getting around more difficult, he rarely missed an athletic or school event they were involved in. In fact, the week of his death, he watched his great-grandsons play basketball at Mar Lee. Sunday breakfast at Grandpa's and Grandma's happened nearly every week and was one of his favorite moments of the week. He loved to make breakfast for as many of his family members he could, and they all knew their friends were welcome as well.
Anyone who knew Frank, knew how he loved his Fighting Irish! Go ND! He loved being outdoors, whether it be in the garden, yard or woods. He taught his grandsons to hunt and they shared that love. He enjoyed fishing, golf, and especially liked his Wednesday morning golf outings and breakfasts with friends from church.
He loved music, euchre, bad jokes and puns, beer and having fun. He was always thrilled when we walked through the front door to visit and was well-known around the neighborhood and town for his great attitude, joy of life and outgoing spirit.
Surviving Frank is Harriet, his wife of 59 years. He is also survived by his children Heidi (Al) Beattie, Gretchen (Jim) Peters, Andy Giesen of Marshall, Chris Giesen of St. Augustine, FL, Molly Fulmer of Marshall, Sara (Keith) Kurowski of Niles, MI and David (Stacy) Giesen of Marshall. Many grandchildren and great-grandchildren also survive.
Friends will gather with family at the Marshall Chapel of Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services on Thursday December 27th from 4PM-7PM followed by the wake of the deceased.
Funeral mass will be Friday, December 28th at 11:00 am at St Mary of the Immaculate Conception church in Marshall, followed by a funeral lunch at St. Mary Parish Center.
Private burial will be Saturday December 29th..
If Frank touched your life the family would prefer a memorial contribution to Knights of Columbus Council #5999 or Doris Klaussen Developmental Center (where his grandson Simon attends school). If you are unable to contribute at the funeral home, you may mail them to Kempf Funeral Home PO Box 519 Marshall, MI 49068.
To leave the family a message and sign the on line guest register visit www.kempffuneralhome.com.
Visitation
DEC 27. 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM (EST)
Marshall Chapel of Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services723 US HWY 27 North
Marshall, MI, 49068
Recitation Of The Rosary
DEC 27. 7:00 PM - 7:15 PM (EST)
Marshall Chapel of Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services723 US HWY 27 North
Marshall, MI, 49068
Mass Of Christian Burial
DEC 28. 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (EST)
Saint Mary Catholic ChurchMarshall, MI, 49068
Luncheon Immediately Following Services
DEC 28. 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (EST)
Saint Mary Catholic ChurchMarshall, MI, 49068
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Francis H. "Frank" Giesen, please visit our flower store.
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