William "Bill" Charles Gieske

William “Bill” Gieske, 72, of Battle Creek died peacefully on March 12, 2022. He was born on February 16, 1950, to Charles and Wilma (Letts) Gieske. Bill graduated from Pennfield High School in 1968 and went on to Michigan State University to graduate in 1972 with a degree in Fisheries & Wildlife. Bill worked as a manager in both the food service industry and for Service Master for many years. He later worked for Denso Manufacturing where he met his wife Karen Clayborn, before retiring in 2009. In his “retirement” he worked at Smitty’s Sport Shop, where he used his years of experience to connect with fellow fishermen and hunters, swapping tips and tricks and recalling all the ones that got away.

Bill was a genuine and genial person who made friends everywhere he went and loved spending time with family and friends. Bill lived a very active life and enjoyed hobbies that kept him out of doors like fishing, camping and hunting. Bill and Karen made happy memories together, camping all the way from Michigan to Nova Scotia in 2018 with a few friends from the Good Sam’s Flakey Flyers club. He had a determined spirit and worked hard, especially when it came to taking care of others.

Bill is survived by his wife, Karen; ex-wife, Mary Ann Dodge; daughter, Rebecca (Chris) Quinn; son, Timothy (Stephanie) Gieske; daughter, Emily (Matt) Burton; stepdaughter, Dawn (Eric) Winters; stepdaughter, Dana (Jon) Larzelere; sister, Beverly (Robert) Torres; sister, Laura (Thomas) Evans; brother Scott (Gale) Gieske. He is also survived by grandchildren, Alexis Burton, Brendan Paggeot, Aedan Quinn, Brady Quinn, Gabrielle Gieske, Aoife Gieske, twins Montgomery and Violet Burton, Deric Winters, Ruby Burton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles E Gieske and Wilma A Gieske Lapham; and stepfather Warren D Lapham.

Visitation will be held at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068 on Tuesday, March 22 from 12pm-2pm followed by a celebration of life at 2pm with Pastor Steve Olmstead officiating. After the service in Bill’s honor, guests are invited to enjoy a hot dog bar and desserts.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Park Place Assisted Living, 2022 “Seniors on the Move” Fundraising Campaign. https://baruchsls-park-place.kindful.com/

Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.