Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
ONTONAGON, Mich. - Robert "Bob" Frank Giesen, 74, of Ontonagon, passed away on Monday, Dec. 23, 2013, from complications of Alzheimer's disease.
Robert "Bob" was born in New Prague, Minn., on Jan. 27, 1939. He graduated from New Prague High School and attended the University of Minnesota. Bob enlisted in the United States Army and served in Okinawa, Japan, and Albuquerque, N.M. He later attended the Minneapolis-St. Paul Seminary, where he was ordained a Catholic deacon in 1980.
Robert "Bob" was married to Susan Ridgdill on Jan. 19, 1963 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ewen.
Robert "Bob" worked professionally for 50 years at various companies including Franklin Manufacturing, Graco, Midwest Systems and Tennant. He served as software developer and later moved to management roles that included vice president and president.
He enjoyed baseball, bowling, basketball and playing cards. He loved watching his children and grandchildren in their various activities. He served as a school board chairman and was also actively involved in coaching baseball. Bob worked on behalf of numerous social justice issues including migrant workers, Native Americans, the environment, peace and freedom of religion for all.
Robert "Bob" is survived by his wife, Susan; sons, Robert Jr. (Renee), Christopher (Paula), Bruce (Jade) and Daniel (Nicole); daughters, Mary (Kraig Gregor) and Kahle (and friend Brian Manley); siblings, Don (Ruth), Betty (Norb Gill), Norbert (Mary), Ambrose (Patricia), Anita (Jim Kratochvil), Joe (Mary) and Werner (Kathy); 14 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and other family and friends.
Robert "Bob" was preceded in death by his parents, Casper and Isabel; a sister, Mary Ann; and a brother-in-law, Dick Dobblemann.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 28, at the United Methodist Church of Ontonagon. The Rev. Bruce Steinberg and the Rev. Jeannie Manning will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Vets For Peace, Women Against Military Madness, Friends of the Porkies and the Alzheimer's Organization.
The family of Robert "Bob" wishes to thank the staff of the Aspirus Long Term Care and everyone who extended their care and support to our family during Bob's illness and passing.
