JOHN GIESE
July 22, 1930 - December 24, 2024
Obituary
John “Jack” Leo Giese, retired businessman, devoted son, husband, uncle, and friend, died peacefully on December 24, 2024 at the VNA in Neenah. Jack was born in Neenah on July 22, 1930, to Genevieve Horkman Giese and Leo Carl Giese.
In his youth Jack was active and adventurous. His family lived where the YMCA now stands, and the river became his playground. It provided the enjoyment of swimming, fishing, boating, and water-skiing with his brother, Carlton, and friends. He attended St. Patrick's grade school, Neenah High School and the University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley.
Jack met and fell in love with Julianne “Julie” Wrchota. The two married on August 11, 1962, a love affair that endured for 61 years. The two traveled frequently, had season tickets to the Green Bay Packers, enjoyed special times at their cottage, and boating on Lake Winnebago and the Fox River.
Jack thought Neenah was one of the best places in which to live and became a member of Rotary, Neenah-Menasha Elks, Neenah Historical Society, and the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh, where he volunteered for many years at EAA airshows. Jack was a member of the Military Veterans Museum and had a special interest in military history – especially World War II. He was proud to have served ten years in the Wisconsin National Guard. Jack was also a devoted catholic and was a member of St. Margaret Mary church, where he volunteered his services in many ways.
Jack had a successful 45-year career in the foundry industry with his brother, Carleton, and became third-generation owner of Neenah Brass and Aluminum Foundry. There, they concentrated on providing quality brass and aluminum craftsmanship for machine tools and industrial castings which included parts for Harley Davidson, artistic tree grates, and the USS Wisconsin Battleship in Norfolk, VA. Everywhere he went he was reminded of the family foundry.
Jack was always growing and learning and was respected by colleagues and regarded by people who knew him as a person of integrity. He held numerous positions in state and national associations and will be remembered for his love of family and friends, his outgoing personality, his sense of humor and enthusiasm for life.
Jack is survived by his wife, Julie; sister, Marjorie (Dick) Kraft; sisters-in-law: Mary Ford; Marialice (Bruce) Johnson; brother-in-law, Tom (Susan) Wrchota; and his 12 wonderful nieces and nephews, who he adored. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Bill and Carleton; and brother-in-law, Dr. Robert “Buzz” Wrchota.
Jack's family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Thomas Klinkhammer and staff, Heartland Hospice, and the VNA for their care and compassion.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at St. Margaret Mary Church, 620 Division St. in Neenah, with Fr. Nonito Barra officiating. Friends may call at the church from 9:00 A.M. until the time of mass.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established in his name at St. Margaret Mary Church, or please consider a memorial of your choice.
For anyone unable to attend Jack's funeral, it will be livestreamed on Westgor's YouTube page.