Ivan Eugene Giese's Obituary
Ivan Eugene Giese, 92, of LeRoy, passed away Thursday, September 25, 2025. He was born July 1, 1933, at home on the farm near Reed City, MI, the son of William P.H. and Esther S. (Lundborg) Giese. He graduated from Reed City High School in 1951 after attending Trinity Lutheran School.
He was drafted into the Army in 1952 and was a Drill Instructor, but trained in Signal Supply, which was a critical MOS that kept him stateside because there were only 6 division Signal Supply Sergeants in the U.S.A.
Ivan married Bonnie J. Minier in July 1955 and transferred to the Army Guard in 1958. In 1968, he joined the Air National Guard as a military pay supervisor, responsible for a $6.5 million payroll. At one point, Ivan was appointed temporary base commander for two weeks while the base commander was gone. He retired as a Master Sargent with 36 ½ years of military service.
During civilian life, Ivan was active in scouting for 20 years, managed and played on a softball team for 15 years with a .750% winning percentage. He enjoyed hunting many species of big and small game.
Ivan was active after retirement as a county commissioner, church board member and president, township election team, and board of review.
He is survived by his children, Michael (Carole McNamara) Giese, Samuel (Ronda) Giese, and Michelle (Tammy Tortorelli) Giese; sisters, Serene and Janet; brother Edgar; eight grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. Ivan was preceded in death by his wife Bonnie J. Giese, son Joseph E. Giese, his parents, and six siblings: Dennis, Amaryllis, David, Geraldine, Elmer, and Sylvia.
Ivan was respected for serving his country, church, county, township, and for loving his family.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Reed City, MI, with Pastor Paul Tonn officiating. Ivan’s family will greet friends beginning at 10 a.m., Wednesday at the church. Ivan will be laid to rest next to Bonnie in Ashton Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church and or School.
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