Kenneth C. “Ken” Gieseking, age 85 of Highland, IL, died Saturday, August 10, 2024, at HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Highland, IL.
He was born on Wednesday, June 7, 1939, in Highland, IL, the son of Carl and Agnes (nee Wild) Gieseking.
He was a member of First Congregational Church; Highland Lions Club (30 + years); Lee Iten Post 439-American Legion.
Ken grew up on a dairy farm north of Troy, IL with no electricity or running water. He attended Troy St. Paul Lutheran grade school, graduated from McCray-Dewey High School, Troy, IL, in 1957, and Belleville Area College (SWIC). He married Mary Lou Dale in 1961, which later was divorced. Then he married Diane Clark, nee Schuette in 2016. Ken retired from St. Joseph Hospital after working there for over 28 years, in 2011 at the age of 62. Ken had served in the Air Force Reserve for 11 years ending his career as a Staff Sargent. Ken enjoyed collecting pocket knives and Lion’s Club memorabilia. He was a season ticket holder for many years for the St. Louis Cardinals. He also enjoyed going camping in his motor home. He loved attending his grandchildren’s activities.
Survivors include:
- Wife – Diane L. Clark Gieseking, nee Schuette, Highland, IL (married Sept 10, 2016, First Congregational Church)
- Son – Bryan T. (Susan) Gieseking, Dorsey, IL
- Son – Douglas A. (Carla) Gieseking, Colorado Springs, CO
- Step Daughter – Anna E. (Brian) Nungesser, Highland, IL
- Step Son – Robert J. Kopcych, Alhambra, IL
- Grandchild – Jeffery Gieseking
- Grandchild – Brandon Gieseking
- Grandchild – Nathan Gieseking
- Grandchild – Ryan Gieseking
- Grandchild – Spencer Gieseking
- Grandchild – Amy Cotton
- Grandchild – Amber Gieseking
- Grandchild – Heather Berry
- Grandchild – Dallis Harris
- Grandchild – Kimmy Gieseking
- Great Grandchildren – 19
- Sister – Dorothy Hasting, Troy, IL.
He was preceded in death by:
- Father – Carl L. Gieseking – Died 4/25/1983
- Mother – Agnes M. Gieseking, nee Wild – Died 9/10/1996
- Ex-Wife – Mary L. Gieseking, nee Dale
- Son – Jeffrey D. Gieseking – Died 2/10/2017.
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, August 16, 2024, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL and from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at First Congregational Church in Highland, IL.
Funeral Service will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at First Congregational Church in Highland, IL, with Pastor Richard W. Cook, officiating.
Interment will be at Spangle Cemetery in Livingston, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational Church Building Fund or Highland Lions Club.
