Bernard Gieske

Bernard "Bussie" Gieske, age 100 of Sauk Centre, died Saturday, January 31, 2009 at St. Michael's Nursing Home in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 6 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. Rev. Todd Schneider and Deacon Thomas McFadden will officiate. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and at the church Friday one hour prior to services. Parish prayers will be held at 5:15 p.m. and St. Paul's Catholic Aid and Knights of Columbus will pray at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Bernard Gieske was born March 14, 1908 in Melrose, Minnesota to Bernard and Mary (Otte) Gieske. On January 12, 1943 he married Loretta Radermacher at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Padua. The couple farmed in Kandota Township, Todd County, Minnesota. Since May, 2008 he had resided at St. Michael's Nursing Home.Bussie's faith in God was the foundation of everything he did in his life. Bussie enjoyed farming and driving tractors, dancing, playing cards, working and socializing with his neighbors, and family trips. Family life, gatherings, and celebrations were the deep joy of his life.He was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church, where he had served as an usher, Bishop Busch Council 4863 Knights of Columbus, and St. Paul's Catholic Aid. He had served on the Farmer's Elevator Board, rural school board, and as Kandota Township Assessor.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Loretta Gieske of Sauk Centre; seven children, Daniel (Gilda) Gieske of Sauk Centre, Kenneth (Debra) Gieske of Minneapolis, Carol Gieske of Combermere, Ontario, Canada, Allen (Heidi) Gieske of Lindstrom, Gabe (Barb) Gieske of Sauk Centre, Kathleen (Deacon Tom) McFadden of Sauk Centre, and Thomas (Julie) Gieske of Sauk Centre; 17 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, William and Joseph Gieske; sisters, Regine Von Wahlde, Christine Nathe, and Mary Kluempke.

Serving as casket bearers will be his grandsons, Joshua, Philip, and David McFadden, Jeremy, Kristofor, Caleb, John, and Jason Gieske. Cross bearer will be Allen Gieske and scripture bearer will be Gabe Gieske.