Walter Gietzen

Walter Gietzen, age 93, of Glen Ullin died Wednesday, August 29, 2007, at the Marian Manor Health Care Center in Glen Ullin. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2007 at 10:00 AM Central time at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glen Ullin. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visitation will begin on Friday, after 4:00 pm at the church with vigil services at 7:00 PM. Walter was born on a ranch in the Haymarsh area on February 20, 1914, the fourth child John and Eleanore (Wehri) Gietzen. Walter was educated in rural school and spent his early life working on the farm since his father passed away when he was young. He married Theresa Skalsky on Nov. 22, 1937 at St. Benedict?s Catholic Church. In the mid 40?s they bought their own place and farmed with his brothers and later with his sons. Weather predictions and guessing what the weather would do by watching the sunsets and listening to nature, was his hobby. Walter was active in his community, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and was a 4th degree knight, state deputy of the KC?s, on the North Dakota Board of Animal Health, local and county school board, was chairman of Pastoral Council under two bishops, was named Catholic Family of the Year, and Man of the Year in Agriculture. Walter enjoyed and appreciated his opportunity to help people. Those left to share the legacy of his love include his wife Theresa, Glen Ullin, five daughters: Elaine (Allan) Streitmatter, Polson, MT; Joan (Gary) Weiand, Glen Ullin; Phyllis (Michael) Mackey, Davenport, FL; Maxine Schmautz, Jamestown, ND; Karen Gietzen, Bismarck, ND; and five sons: Darrel (Janice), Minot, ND; Douglas (Debbie), Minot, ND; Arnold (Barbie), Dent, MN; Mark (Debbie), Bismarck, ND; Keith (Sherrie), Glen Ullin; 34 grandchildren, and 43 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister and brothers: Caroline Sebastian, Raymond, Arnold, Gilbert, Marcell, and Eleanor; his step brothers and sisters: Peter, Edward, Bina, and Anna, and his half brothers and sisters: Bernadine, Delores, Amos and Cyril. The family suggests memorial to St. Jude Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105


Burial Date: September 1, 2007
Funeral Home Glen Ullin, ND

Funeral Mass: Saturday, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Glen Ullin