Harold C Gietzen

Harold C. Gietzen, 90, Bismarck, died February 16, 2013, at St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 noon Wednesday, February 20, at Church of St. Mary, Bismarck, with Rev. Msgr. Gene Lindemann officiating. Burial will be held at 3:00 pm Wednesday at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Visitation will held from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Tuesday, February 19, at Eastgate Funeral Service, Bismarck, and from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm at Church of St. Mary, where a vigil service will be held at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Harold was born March 20, 1922, the youngest of 10 children born to Joseph and Emma Morman Gietzen. He grew up in Glen Ullin, ND, working on his father's dray line until the depression, when he moved to Idaho holding down various jobs, one of which was working at a logging camp where he eventually found his love for cooking. Harold enlisted in the military in World War II. Returning home, he met his childhood sweetheart, Pauline Kobilansky, and they were married for 64 years. Harold worked for many restaurants and eventually was hired by Gov. John Davis to work at the ND State Penitentiary as head chef, where he worked for 20 years. After his retirement, Harold enjoyed tinkering in his shop and playing Santa. His best and most important job was playing with his grandchildren and being with his family. He was a member of St. Mary's Parish for over 50 years. After Pauline died, he moved to St. Gabriel's Community, where he enjoyed singing and being "the life of the party." Harold is survived by his eight children, Helen Larry Heidt, Ted Peggy Gietzen, Linda Ron Riskedahl, Tom Gietzen, Kathy Jim Kohler, JoAnn Barry Brilz, Donna Mike Ulmen, and Gerard Gietzen; his grandchildren, Jeff, Norm, Susan, Theresa, Stephanie, Jennifer, Kelly, Nicole, Mary, Ronda, Leesa, Jill, Sally, Ben, Kris, Ashlee, Beth, Nick, Benjamin, Lacey Jo, and Joshua; 31 great-grandchildren and several on the way and one great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline; his parents; siblings; and one grandson, Andrew. The family would like to thank the Pace Program, the Baptist Home Apartments, St. Gabriel's Community and good friend, Doris Brown, Seattle, WA.

Harold C Gietzen

March 20, 1922 - February 16, 2013