Lillian Giesler

Lillian L. Giesler, age 93, passed away peacefully in the presence of her family on Tuesday, July 13, 2010. Lillian was born Oct. 19, 1916, to Christen and Ida Christiansen of Williams, Minn. She graduated valedictorian of her class from Williams High School in 1933. Following graduation from the University of Minnesota in 1938, she taught home economics for two years. She also worked for the USDA Farm and Home Administration. She married Frederick (Fred) Giesler on March 29, 1941, in Williams, Minn. Lillian and Fred moved to Middleton in 1953. A member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church since 1953, she taught Sunday school, was past chairman of the Altar Guild and past treasurer of the Women's Merry Mission Sewing Group. Lillian loved her family and was devoted to them. She was a room mother for each of her four children in elementary school. She loved canning, sewing, decoupage, knitting, quilting and needlepoint. Lillian was fond of collecting and refinishing antique furniture. Her lovely home displayed her many interests. Lillian is survived by Fred, her husband of 69 years; and her children, Lenore (Herb) Behnke of Shawano, Carl (Kathy) Giesler of Houston, Texas, Paul (Jean) Giesler of Windsor, and Mary (Rusty) Willauer of Madison. In addition, she is survived by eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, Chris (Kelly) Behnke of Wausau and their children, Julia and Laura, Carl (Laura) Giesler Jr. of Houston, Texas, and their children, Anna, Jacob and William; Eric (Caitlin) Giesler of Austin, Texas, and their children, Michael and Jack; Keri (Pablo) Guerrero of Larkspur, Calif., Beth (Chris) Keune of Scottsdale, Ariz.; Jody (Jason) Reed of Dresser and their son, Levi, Jeffery (Beth) Willauer of Fitchburg, and Casey (Bridgette) Willauer of Madison. Lillian is also survived by her sister, Irene Timm of Marshall, Minn. Lillian was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Arvid Christiansen; her sister-in-law, Millie Christiansen; and her brother-in-law, Norman Timm. A private family funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2010. Visitation and a memorial service will be held on Aug. 20, 2010, at St. Luke's Lutheran Church. The family wants to thank Dr. Thomas Ansfield, his nurse, Sherry Lynn and the rest of his staff for their compassionate and loving care for Lillian over the past 35 years. The family also appreciates the kind and loving care received by Lillian from the staff of Waunakee Manor Assisted Living and Nursing Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to: American Heart Association, St. Luke's Lutheran Church or your charity of choice. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to: American Heart Association, St. Luke's Lutheran Church or your charity of choice. Visitation: Visitation will be held at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 7337 Hubbard Ave., Middleton, on Friday, Aug. 20, 2010 from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Service: Funeral service will be held at ST. LUKE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 7337 Hubbard Ave., Middleton, on Friday, Aug. 20, 2010 at 11:30 a.m.