Donald Giese

Donald Roger Giese was born on June 19, 1927 in Morris, MN to Carl and Laura (Mau) Giese. He was baptized and confirmed at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Swan Lake Township, Stevens County. He attended Country School District 33 in rural Donnelly through the eighth grade. He then worked on several farms in Minnesota and North Dakota. On December 8, 1951, Don was united in marriage to Evelyn Lueneburg. They farmed north of Hoffman. He was drafted in 1954 and served in the US Army, stationed in California. In 1956, they purchased the present day Giese farm west of Hoffman where he enjoyed all aspects of farming. In 1990, Don and Evelyn moved off the farm and built a house in Elbow Lake. When Don was not farming he was still busy with being a life member of the Hoffman American Legion, serving on the Hoffman Coop Grain Board, West Central Livestock Association, and being on the Bethel Lutheran Church Board. Don enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, and his African Safari trip in 1998. Don died on Thursday, August 25, 2011 at the Hoffman Good Samaritan Home at the age of 84. He is survived by his son, Terry (Faye) Giese of Hoffman; daughter, Tammi (Dan) McDonald of Woodbury; daughter-in-law, Diann Giese of Hoffman; grandchildren, Amy (Justin) Puchalski, Andrew (friend, Kelsey) Giese, Olivia and Sean McDonald, Rachelle Giese, Ryan (Keri) Giese, Rebekah (Jeff) Schaefer; great-grandchildren, Jayce and Isabelle Puchalski; Kaia and Grady Giese, and Benton Schaefer; brothers, Harold (Helen) Giese of North Minneapolis and Wally (Marlys) Giese of Morris; sister, Gladys Birch of Fargo; many nieces nephews and cousins; uncle, Clarence Giese of Morris; and special friend Marie Cosh of Herman. He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Laura; wife, Evelyn; and sons, Randy and Ronald. A funeral service was held on Sunday, August 28, 2011 at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Hoffman with Reverend Nathan Thompson officiating. Music was provided by organist, LaVerne Olson and soloist, Orlo Thompson. Interment was in Bethel Cemetery in Hoffman. Casket bearers were Don Yaggie, Jim Klein, Don Miller, Jerry Meyer, Larry Miller, Merlyn Miller, Dave Kressin, Darrell Gast, Orten Brodshaug, Arnold (Red) Westrum, and Berdell Skogstad. Honorary casket bearers were his nieces and nephews. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.