Charles W Giese

Charles Giese, age 87, of Benson, formerly of the Appleton area, passed away Sunday, July 16, 2023, in Appleton Area Health-Care Center. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, July 21, 2023, at First Evangelical Free Church in Benson. Visitation will resume from 10 – 11 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 22, 2023, at the church. Interment will be in Appleton City Cemetery. Pastor Daniel Runke will officiate. Arrangements are with Zniewski Funeral Home.

Charles Wayne Giese was born January 28, 1936, to Carl Gus and Stella Marie (Mulvihill) Giese in Hancock, Minnesota. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at the age of 12 and served the Lord for the rest of his life.

Charles grew up in the Appleton and Holloway area where he also attended grade school. He graduated from Appleton High School, Class of 1954. Charles was united in marriage to Gloria Ethel Wilts on February 3, 1957, at Drywood Lutheran Church, Appleton, with the Rev. Donald Borlaug presiding. They shared 66 years together.

Following high school, Charles began to farm with his dad and drove for W. D. Anderson Livestock Trucking. After he and Gloria were married, they bought a farm in Fairfield Township where they lived and farmed for 56 years. They also milked cows, had beef cattle, hogs, and started custom hauling livestock.

Charles served as deacon and trustee in churches he attended. He and Gloria were janitors for six years in the Morris church. He enjoyed playing cards, bowling, reading, doing Circle Word books, reading scripture, being with his children and grandchildren, and traveling with Gloria hauling cattle for many area farmers.

Charles passed away on July 16, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Gloria; his children: LuAnn (Keith) Gades of Cyrus, Minnesota, Linda (John) McCallum of Mahtomedi, Minnesota, Mark (Tammy) Giese of Fairfield, Washington, Lisa Giese of Willmar, Minnesota, and Merlin (Maxine) Giese of Appleton, Minnesota; his nine grandchildren; his eight great-grandchildren; and his two great-great grandchildren; his siblings: Jackie Maas of Odessa, Minnesota, Ardis (Marlow) Schwartz of Appleton, Minnesota, and Vivian Huntington of Sartell, Minnesota; and his nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Charles was preceded in death by his son, Myron; his parents, Carl and Stella Giese; sister, Eleanor (Don) Boettcher, brother, Jerry (Junyce) Giese; infant brother, Richard Giese; and brothers-in-law: Alvin Maas and Jerroll Huntington. Blessed be the memory of Charles Wayne Giese.