Gladys H. Giese, (nee Martin), formerly Zimdars, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior at the age of 87 on Friday, February 7, 2014 after passing away peacefully with her family by her side. Gladys was a long time resident of West Bend and former resident of Theresa.
She was born on July 11, 1926 on the family farm in the town of Wayne to the late Phillip and Sylvia (nee Thurke) Martin. Gladys was united in marriage to the late Clarence Zimdars on October 5, 1946 and later to the late Erhard Giese on May 3, 1980. Gladys was a devoted mother and enjoyed the opportunity to stay home and raise her daughters while they were young. Once her daughters were in school Gladys began a career as a sewer for Enger-Kress in West Bend until her retirement. Gladys had a strong faith and loved being part of the ladies aid at church. She was passionate about her lawn and her roses. She was a great gardener and if it grew and it could be canned it was. Gladys loved cooking, baking, crocheting, knitting, and making afghans. Gladys is survived by her daughters, Caroline Schwartz of West Bend, Christine Zimdars of Newburg, Cynthia (Joe) Fechter of Newburg, and Lois Puls of Mayville; her grandchildren, Andrew and Sarah Schwartz, Jimmy and Mike Westphal, Erika (Troy) Werlein, Bryan (Krystal) Fechter, Carrie Koepsell, and Tricia (Brandon) Gentz; great-grandchildren, Abigail Stern, Logan Werlein, and Kaitlin Koepsell; and many other dear relatives and close friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Phillip and Sylvia; her first husband, Clarence; her second husband, Erhard; as well as two brothers and a sister.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at 6:30 pm at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (809 S. 8th Ave. West Bend). Rev. Jeff Dorth will officiate and burial will be in Washington County Memorial Park. Visitation will be on Tuesday at the church from 4:30 pm until the time of service at 6:30 pm.
Memorials to the family would be greatly appreciated and will be used for alzheimer and autism research.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Cindy, Rachel, and Ann of Sunrise Cove at the Cedar Lake Health Care Center for all of the wonderful care they gave Gladys and her family.