Leah G. Giese

Leah G. Giese, 86, of Gillett, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024. Leah was born on May 17, 1937, to the late Clarence and Lucille (Peterson) Peterman.

She attended St. John Lutheran School and graduated from Suring High School in 1955. On Aug. 27, 1955, Leah married Herbert Giese at St. John Lutheran Church in Hayes. The couple were self-employed farmers in Gillett for 42 years and received an award from the Wisconsin State Fair for century ownership. She was a dedicated farm wife and mother.

Leah was very active in the community throughout her life. She served as a census and election worker for over 10 years. Leah was also very involved with the church. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church for many years where she served on the ladies aid and church choir. Later in life, she became a member of Christ Lutheran Church-Hintz where she was also active with the ladies aid.

Leah was a member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League for over 60 years, serving as president and vice president. For 20 years, she served as a secretary for AAL and received an AAL Recognition Award. Leah volunteered at the LCFS Thrift Store in Shawano for many years.

One of Leah’s passions in life was quilting. She founded the Pine Needles Quilt Guild and was involved with Quilts for Soldiers for over 15 years. Leah was honored when one of her quilts was chosen to be displayed at The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show in Madison. She also received a special award from Grain Train Quilts. Throughout her life, she completed over 100 quilt projects, including quilts, table runners, wall hangings and more.

Leah enjoyed gardening and loved flowers, especially orchids. She also enjoyed birdwatching from her kitchen window. Leah enjoyed taking many memorable trips with her husband and friends.

Leah is survived by her husband of 68 years, Herbert; five children, Randie Giese, Pam (Pat) Paholke, Keith (Lori) Giese, Tim (Gail) Giese and Julie Witcpalek; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Myra (Al) Hann. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Evon (Tom) Hansen and Fern (Ed) Rawling; and a brother, Ivan (Phylis) Peterman.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, at Gruetzmacher Funeral Home from 4-8 p.m. Visitation resumes on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, at Christ Lutheran Church-Hintz from 9 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Michael Paholke officiating. Leah will be interred at Christ Lutheran Cemetery.

Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to thank the staffs of The Cottages at Meadowlands Memory Care and Moments Hospice for the care and compassion offered to Leah and her family during their time of need.