Thomas Giesen
April 24, 1921 - April 10, 2015
Obituary
Thomas P. “Tom” Giesen, 93, of Cassville, passed away Friday, April 10, 2015 at Southwest Health Center, Platteville. Memorial services will be 6:00 p.m. Monday, April 13, 2015 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville. Rev. Dave Arevalo and Rev. Michael Short will officiate. Burial will be at the Cassville Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service on Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Thomas. P. “Tom” Giesen Memorial Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.melbyfh.com.
Tom was born on April 24, 1921, the son of Philip and Sarah (Rodgers) Giesen. He was united in marriage to Letha Martin in March 20, 1943, they had five children together. He later married Grace Christensen on February 15, 1960. She preceded him in death on March 12, 2010. She was the love of his life. He joined the Army in 1942 and served in the Pacific. He enjoyed many reunions with his Army buddies, in his later years, but never spoke much of the war. He truly was one of “The Greatest Generation.” After the war he farmed for a number of years; until finally buying his own farm in 1954. He was a generous man who was happiest when he could be helping someone out. After he sold his farm he spent many years driving Amish families from the area, whenever and wherever they needed to go. They became great friends to him and always took good care of him. He absolutely loved to play cards, especially euchre and dirty clubs; many times the games went on until the early morning hours!
Tom is survived by his children, Judy Conley, Sally (Russ) Dressler, Tommy Giesen, Tim (Sarah) Giesen, Jackie (Denny) Ellingson; Susan (Tom) McLimans, Dan (Cheryl) Giesen, and David (Debra) Giesen ; Jerry Manning, Sherri Sherman; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; also his brother Robert “Bob” (Gloria) Giesen; sister, Laura Rauch; and sister-in-law, Darlene Giesen. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly and considered him another dad. He is preceded in death by his wife, Grace; brothers, Bill, Art, and Don; sister, Eunice Hauk; son, Terry Manning; and son-in-law Leonard Conley.