Delbert Giese

Delbert William Giese was born in Horton Township, MN, to Fred and Meta (Hahn) Giese on September 2, 1922. He graduated from Hancock High School in 1940. Soon after high school he joined the National Guard, and was then transferred to serve this great nation in the United States Army during WWII. Delbert served in Europe for three years in such places as Iceland, England, Belgium, and Normandy, France. In the early 1950s, Delbert worked for the National T Grocery Store chain which eventually landed him in Staples, MN. After a few months in Staples he accepted a position at the lumber yard and made Staples his home. In 1964, Delbert was united in marriage to Margaret Goodrich-Jenson and acquired three step-sons, Dewey, Douglas, and Alan Jenson. In 1965, Delbert and Margaret were blessed with a daughter, Theresa. One more career change landed him at the hospital in Staples, as the Head Maintenance Engineer, where he worked for over 25 years. Retirement did not slow him down; Delbert and Margaret then became caretakers of Head Lake Campground near Richville for several summers. He loved to socialize with all of the campers, telling stories and playing his accordion around the campfire. Into his eighties, Delbert still mowed lawns and built Adirondack lawn chairs. He loved to work with his hands and the garage was his favorite place to be. In 2008, his health and age finally forced him to sell their home in Staples, and moved to Wadena. Even though he only lived in Wadena for less than two years, he made quite and impression. He joined the Wadena VFW and became a cherished friend to staff and members of the Wadena Elks Club. After 87 years, 8 months, and 17 days, Delbert went home to be with our Lord on May 19, 2010, at Fair Oaks Lodge in Wadena. Delbert is survived by his wife, Margaret of Wadena; daughter, Theresa (Paul Hagen) Edwards of Wadena; step-sons Dewey (Vicki) of Staples, Doug (Heidi) of Lakewood, WA, and Alan of Evanston, WY; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; a brother Orval (Ruth) of Wakasha, WI; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends. Delbert was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Meta; and his sister Aileen. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on May 21, 2010, in the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wadena, with Pastor Rob Nelson officiating. Military Honors were provided by the Elmer Goche Post 3922, Veterans of Foreign Wars, in Wadena, MN. Honorary pallbearers were Kayla Giese, Matthew Edwards, Joshua Edwards, Michelle Sjobeck, Tracey Heffner, Jeniffer Jenson, Luke Jenson, and Levi Jenson. Interment was in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery at Camp Ripley, near Little Falls, MN.

Delbert Giese

September 2, 1922 - May 19, 2010