Robert Fred Gieseke

Funeral services for Robert Fred Gieseke, 88, South Branch Township, rural St. James, MN will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2016 at 10:30 am at St. John’s Lutheran Church-South Branch with Rev. Matthew Rusert officiating. Interment will be at the church cemetery. Robert died on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at Truman Senior Living. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 29, 2016 from 4-7:00 pm at Zaharia Family Funeral & Cremation Service of Truman and one hour before the services in the church Saturday. Robert Fred Gieseke was born on August 6, 1927 in rural South Branch, MN to Arthur H. and Amanda (Quindel) Gieseke. On August 21, 1953, Robert was united in marriage to Lorraine Thomforde at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Belvedere, MN. Robert served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955. Their marriage was blessed with 7 wonderful children. Robert was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, South Branch where he served as congregation vice-president, treasurer and a member of the Parochial school board. Robert was also an L.L.L. and A.A.L. officer for many years. Robert worked the family farm and raised Jersey dairy cattle his entire life, proudly serving as D.H.I.A. and MN Jersey Cattle Club President for 15 years each. Robert is survived by 7 children, Art (Ellen) Gieseke, Litchfield, MN, Ann (Doug) Jones, Lake Crystal, MN, Eric (Dawn) Gieseke, Woodstock, VT, Sarah (Al) Garcia St. James, MN, Wayne (Val) Gieseke, Barron, WI, Peter (Amy) Gieseke, St. James, MN, Amy (Bryan) Quiram, Le Center, MN; 12 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; one sister, Verdell Koch and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Lorraine of 6o years, parents, Arthur and Amanda Gieseke, brother Lester and sisters Sophie (Gene) Ball, Edna (Ewald) Kehr, Christina (Wendell) Hansen, Amanda (Melroy) Cole and son-in-law Douglas Jones. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are preferred to the Lutheran Hour Ministries and the Orphan Grain Train. www.zahariafamilyfuneral.com