Willard Giese

Willard Elmer Giese, son of Gustav and Bertha (Riemers) Giese, was born October 24, 1921 in Holloway, Minnesota, where he was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairfield Township. He grew up in the Holloway area, where he received his education through eighth grade at a rural school where everything was taught in German. After his schooling, Willard began working for various farmers in the area, as well as working on the family farm with his brothers and a nephew. On November 26, 1944, he was united in marriage to Mildred L Boese in Holloway. To this union, two children, Sandra and John, were born. Following their marriage, the couple moved to the Donnelly area, where Willard farmed with his brother, Ray. After Ray's death, Willard continued to run the farm and assumed the caregiver role for Ray's family in his absence. He was also the guardian for two of his cousins, Randolph "Tom" and Raymond "Joe" Riemers, who he treated just like they were part of his own immediate family. Willard continued to farm until retiring in 1970, at which time they moved into Herman. Mildred passed away on May 24, 1977. On September 1, 1981, Willard was married to Marie R. Letcher. To this union, one daughter, Brittani, was born. Although the couple separated in 1987, they both continued to be loving parents, who were very involved in Brittani's life. In later years, Willard enjoyed a loving relationship with Beatriz Hadler, which continued until the time of his death.



Willard was a member of the Donnelly Rod & Gun Club and was a very active member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Herman. He was instrumental in organizing the church at its start-up, and had held many of its leadership positions over the years. Some of his favorite hobbies included golfing, hunting and sharing his support and fellowship with his many friends around the area, but above all, was his well known love for fishing.



Willard died on Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at the Courage Cottage in Morris, having lived to reach the age of 85 years.



He is survived by three children: Sandra (Tom) Fabian of Sartell, John (Lorrie) Giese of Bismarck, ND and Brittani Giese (fiancAC.: Adam Waldorf) of Bemidji; 6 grandchildren: Nichole (Ross) Bergerson, Timothy Fabian, Paul Fabian, David Fabian, Mark Giese and Kari Giese; 3 great-grandchildren: Lydia Bergerson, Ellen Bergerson and Mikaela Fabian; his Christian wife: Beatriz Hadler of Alexandria and her daughters: Stephanie and Jennefer; sister-in-law: Dorothea Giese of Holloway and many dear nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife: Mildred; his parents; five brothers: Paul, Raymond, Adolph, Elmer and Donald and two sisters: Emma and Anna.



Pallbearers for the service are Willard's grandchildren: Nichole Bergerson, Timothy Fabian, Paul Fabian, David Fabian, Mark Giese and Kari Giese. Honorary pallbearers are: Kenneth Muecke, Stan Vipond, Dale Vipond, Wallace Horning, Robert Groneberg and Duane Hamele. Linda Volker will serve as organist for the service. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.