James Giesing

Wednesday, December 28, 2016 2:09 pm

James Giesing, 89, of Spillville, died Monday, Dec. 26, 2016, at the Aase Haugen Senior Services in Decorah. Mass of Christian Burial is at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville, with Rev. Donald Hawes officiating. Organist is Jeanette Dietzenbach. Cantor is Dan Silhacek. Hymns “Here I am, Lord,” “Taste And See,” “On Eagle’s Wings,” “Goin’ Home” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Lector is Pat Wiest. Eucharistic ministers are Phyllis Riehle and Pat Wiest. Offertory gift bearers are Ruth and Donald Stepanik. Casket bearers are members of the Spillville American Legion. Military rites will be provided by the Spillville American Legion. Interment is at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery, Spillville. Arrangements are being handled by Balik Funeral Home, Spillville.

James Leo Giesing was born April 12, 1927, the son of Leo and Anna (Schroeder) Giesing in Decorah. James attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Festina. He farmed with his father until they moved to the farm North of Spillville in 1944. James was inducted into the US Army Jan. 24, 1951. He served in the United States and Germany. He was a Private First Class and was in the Army field artillery, discharging Dec. 22, 1952. He returned to Spillville and farmed for many years and enjoyed helping others. James will be remembered for always having the ability to remember dates and numbers. He has resided at the Aase Haugen Nursing Home since April 24, 2014. He recently received a Quilt of Valor. James was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and the Spillville American Legion.

James is survived by his sister, Ruth (Donald) Stepanik, Schofield, Wis.; two nephews, Donald (Cynthia) Stepanik, Aniwa, Wis. and Thomas Stepanik, Schofield, Wis.; along with great nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Anna (Schroeder) Giesing.