Norene Harrison Gieser

Norene Ann Gieser was born in Highland Park, Illinois, on August 29, 1929 to William and Norene Harrison. She had two older brothers, Pete and Alan Harrison. In her early teens, she met the love of her life, Don Gieser, and began to spend more time with the youth group at church. It was at a Youth for Christ rally in Chicago around the age of 14 or 15 that she gave her heart and life to Christ. This was a life-changing experience for her and she shared her witness with her two brothers, serving in WWII. Soon after this, she and Don began to date more seriously.

Don and Norene were married in June of 1949. During the Korean conflict of the 1950’s Don entered the Air Force and they were stationed in Arizona, where their first two daughters, Donna and Susan, were born. Upon discharge, they moved back to Highland Park, Illinois, where Don joined his father in the Savings and Loan business, and their third daughter, Connie, was born.

Norene lived her life with enthusiasm and a great love for her family, for people and for God. She was a wonderful wife and mother, keeping a home that was warm and welcoming, always preparing outstanding meals for her family, and hospitable to her many friends and neighbors. She was a voracious reader, knitter, an active participant in the local PTA, a Sunday School teacher, VBS worker and valued member of the soprano section in the choir, known for singing beautiful solos in church.

At the young ages of 54 and 53, Don and Norene were able to retire, and it was then that they moved to Tequesta, and began a new season of life, particularly in ministry with missions at church. They loved serving together and supporting the work in Haiti, as well as all the missionaries of GIBC, which they were blessed to do for many years. Throughout the years, Norene always had a zest for life, spontaneity and fun, combined with a great love of her Lord.

On December 31, 2018, she passed from this world into the loving arms of Jesus, and is now in heaven with her Lord and reunited with her many loved ones who preceded her. She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Don Gieser, of Tequesta, daughters: Donna (Reed) Castele of Gurnee, Illinois; Susan (Chuck) Bernabi of Tequesta; Connie McIntosh of Tequesta; grandsons: Jonathan Castele of Lake Bluff, Illinois and Colton Bernabi, currently serving in the US Navy, now stationed at Great Lakes Naval Base in the Chicago area.

Throughout life with all of its “ups and downs,” Norene clung to this promise of God:

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” - Proverbs 3:5-6