W. Herman Gieseler

W. Herman Gieseler, aged 97, of Midland, died at his residence on Monday, March 4, 2013. The son of the late John and Susan Luanna (Dague) Gieseler was born in Marshall County, West Virginia, on September 4, 1915. Herm's mother brought him back to their farm in Barryton, MI shortly after, where he was raised and educated. He graduated from Central State Teacher's College (now CMU) in 1938 and later from the University of Michigan with his Master's in Education. He married the former Edith Stinchcombe in Angola, IN in 1937 and she predeceased him on August 6, 2007. Mr. Gieseler started his career teaching farm shop in Stanton and then at Fenton for four years before moving to Midland to teach machine shop. He was a well known and liked machine shop teacher for the Midland Public Schools for 44 years, where he formed many lifelong friendships with his students. He also worked for Dow Chemical in the summers, sharing his mechanical abilities, but stayed with teaching as it was his real love. He was a board member of Midland Nature Club, and a charter & life member of the Chippewa Nature Center where he served on the Board of Directors from 1983-1989 and worked as an active volunteer for many years demonstrating old traditions and workmanship like making maple syrup, carving slip bark willow whistles, grinding wheat cereal, grinding bones for chicken feed, growing and braiding garlic, and grinding horseradish. He was an active volunteer and life member of the Midland Historical Society and was a member of the First United Methodist Church and Sons of the American Revolution. He and his wife were avid gardeners and received the Midland Appreciation of Beautification Certificate in 1991.

Mr. Gieseler is survived by his son, Richard (Suzanne Gruba) Gieseler of Denver, CO; his daughter, Barbara (Paul) Kromann of Warner Robins, GA; grandsons David, Roger and Michael Kromann; long time friend/caregiver, Kathy Schaefer; five great-grandsons, Nicholas, Benjamin, Sheridan, Jacob, and Erik Kromann; and very special family and friends.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place and memorial services will be held at 11:00 am,Saturday, June 22, 2013 from First United Methodist Church with Reverend Pamela Buchholz officiating.
Memorials may be offered to the Midland Area Community Foundation for scholarships in Edith's or Herman's name, Chippewa Nature Center, or the First United Methodist Church. The Wilson MILLER Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements. Personal messages of condolence may be offered at www.wilson-miller.com.