A memorial service will be at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City Missouri on Saturday, May 19. Visitation 10:00 a.m., service 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to the Colonial Presbyterian Church Foundation,
9500 Wornall Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64114; (816) 942-3272; http://www.colonialkc.org/
Walt was born November 16, 1925 and was a lifelong resident of Kansas City, Missouri. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was an active member of Colonial Presbyterian Church for over 60 years, serving as an Elder, Deacon, and Building Committee Chairman. In later years, Walt especially enjoyed the camaraderie of the Monday morning Colonial counting team. He was a longtime member of the Red Bridge Lions Club and Blue Hills Country Club.
Walt attended the University of Nebraska and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He returned to Kansas City and graduated in 1949 with an architectural engineering degree from Finlay Engineering College. He worked for Burns & McDonnell for 32 years, retiring in 1983. As VP of the Aviation Division, one of his major projects was the KCI airport. Most recently, he avidly followed the news and status of the proposed new airport.
He enjoyed golf, fishing, traveling, RV camping, completing home improvement projects, and spending time with his family. Another favorite activity was playing Rummikub and Spinner dominoes. Walt’s cheerful and positive attitude impacted the lives of those that were fortunate enough to know him. Those lucky people include friends, family members, co-workers, club members and even the staff at Wexford Place Assisted Living where he always had a smile and would often joke by helping them pronounce his name. “It’s Giese, like take it easy, Giese!”
Survivors include sons, Robert (Anita) Giese and David (Jennifer) Giese; daughters Diane Darby, and Lori (Britt) Carlson; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Eileene and Charles Pippenger. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Jan; daughter Pam Wagner, brothers Jack R. Giese and Herbert D. Giese, and second wife Vera of 16 years. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a loving extended family.