Gerald Gieseke, age 82, of Mahnomen, MN, died Thursday, September 24, 2009, near Alexandria, MN.

Gerald A. Gieseke was born December 11, 1926, in Brighton Township, near New Ulm, MN, to William D. and Marie (Ulrich) Gieseke. As a young boy, he was educated at the Halvarson country school. He farmed and worked with his oldest brother, Edwin, until he entered the military in December of 1944. While Gerald was enroute to Japan, the war ended and he was involved with the occupation forces in Nagasaki and Hiroshima. While in Japan, he suffered a severe back injury and was hospitalized in Tokyo for three months. Gerald was honorably discharged on December 1, 1946. He returned home to the New Ulm area and farmed with his father. On August 31, 1949, Gerald was united in marriage to DeLores Gag at Holy Trinity Catholic Cathedral in New Ulm. In 1951, Gerald and DeLores purchased a farm south of Bejou, MN, where they farmed while Gerald also worked in Mahnomen as a machinist. In 1956, they moved to Mahnomen where they have since resided other than wintering in Texas for the past 35 years.

Gerald loved to tinker and could fix anything. He was often described as the "Jack of many trades and the master of them all." He proudly overhauled his first car, a Model A, at the age of 9. As a young man, Gerald loved to play on his family's baseball team and always faithfully watched the Minnesota Twins play ball. Throughout his life, he used his expert marksmanship skills for deer hunting. In addition to everything else, he was also a talented woodworker who made furniture for many people in the community. Gerald loved to do oil paintings and made many beautiful paintings for his children and grandchildren. Gerald's family was truly dear to him, he taught his children many lessons that they will cherish. He enjoyed dancing and made sure to teach each of his daughters how to dance. He also served for many years on the Mahnomen High School Shop Advisory Board.


Gerald was an active member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen and with the Knights of Columbus Mahnomen Council #2573. He was also a member of the Isaccson-Bjorge Post #31 of the American Legion, serving as Past Commander. Due to his injury, Gerald was also a life member with the Disabled American Veterans Group in Detroit Lakes, MN and a life member of the VFW Post1226, Bejou, MN. He was very proud of his service to his country and the United States military.


Gerald is survived by his wife, DeLores of Mahnomen; his children: Bonnie (Duane) Neumann of Naytahwaush, Paula (Tom) Herme of Farmington, MN, Gregg Gieseke of Mahnomen, Lori (Bruce) Anderson of Idaho Falls, ID, Jane (Mike) Keller of West Fargo, ND, and Kevin (Michelle) Gieseke of Mahnomen; 15 grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; three brothers: Bill (Betty), Vernon (Myrtle), and James (Maureen), all of New Ulm, MN; and four sisters: Alma Voges of Courtland, MN, Myrtle Fischer of Belle Plaine, Leorda Marhausen of Bloomington, MN, and Marie (Allen) Leinberger of Beverly Hills, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and one sister.


Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, September 28, 2009, at 2:00 P.M. at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Mahnomen, with Fr. Mario Prada as celebrant and Fr. Rick Lambert as co-celebrant. Brenda Sorensen served as pianist with Dave Kochmann and Tom Herme providing special music. Serving as pallbearers were Gerald's grandsons: Christopher Neumann, Army PV2 Alex Herme, Gregg Gieseke Jr., Army Warrant Officer II Jesse Anderson, Jeremy Gieseke, and Kaleb Gieseke. The Knights of Columbus Mahnomen Council #2573, Isaacson-Bjorge Post #31 of the American Legion, and Bejou VFW Wild Rice Post #1226 will be honorary bearers. Serving as gift bearers were Gerald's granddaughters: Rachel Herme, Katy Neumann, and Jennifer Anderson.


Visitation was held on Sunday, September 27, 2009, from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the Anderson-Mattson Funeral Home in Mahnomen. Visitation was held one hour prior to mass on Monday at the church.

Interment was at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery in Mahnomen, with military honors being provided by the Issacson-Bjorge Post #31 of the American Legion and the MNARNING Honor Guard.