 Don Giesen May 21, 1940 - July 24, 2024 Donald J. Giesen, age 84, of Union Hill, died peacefully with his family at his side on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center. Don was born on May 21, 1940, in New Prague, to Casper and Isabelle (Ruhland) Giesen. He spent his entire life in Union Hill and graduated from New Prague High School. He entered the US Army and served a 13-month tour in the Vietnam Conflict. On September 27, 1969, Don married Ruth E. Siemon at St. John’s Catholic Church in Union Hill. Don worked as a finish carpenter for Busch/KA Witt Construction for 44 years, retiring in 2000. Don was devoted to service, both in his faith life and his personal life. He was dedicated to St. John’s Catholic Church, serving on the Cemetery Board, singing in the choir (a favorite activity), opening and closing the church for many years, serving on the St. John’s Catholic Aid Association Board, and acting as the church handy man, where he provided literally any service that was needed. Don’s other passion was “everything baseball”! In New Prague, he played High School, Legion, and Over 35 baseball. For Union Hill, he not only played but managed DRS and Over 35 baseball, finally retiring in 2006. He served on the Union Hill Baseball Board for 30 years and the Senior Men’s Amateur Baseball Association for 20 years. Don’s commitment and dedication to baseball was recognized with his induction into the Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012. His accolades also included being named the Outstanding Senior Citizen at the 2007 Scott County Fair. The Union Hill baseball field was named the Don Giesen Field in 2012 and Don loved nothing more than serving as its groundskeeper. He was on the field the night that FOX 9 Town Ball Tour showcased the Union Hill Baseball Field. His final view of the last pitch sitting behind home plate came just 10 days before his death. When he wasn’t involved in baseball and church activities, Don enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping. His gentle and easy nature made him a favorite of the staff at Mala Strana when he took up residence there. His legacy was large and his footprint huge and he will be missed by his family and all who knew him. Don is survived by his son, Donald (Lisa) Giesen of New Prague; grandchildren, Jessica (John) Hoffman of Mankato, Megan Giesen (Ben LeVesque) of Blaine, Amanda Giesen of New Prague, Nick Giesen of New Prague; great-grandson, Landon; siblings, Betty Gill of Belle Plaine, Amby (Patricia) Giesen of Cold Spring, Norbert (Mary) Giesen of New Prague, Anita (Jim) Kratochvil of New Prague, Joe (Mary) Giesen of Belle Plaine, Werner (Kathy) Giesen of New Prague; sister-in-law, Susan Giesen of Bloomington. He is preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, on April 25, 2020; parents; sister, Mary Ann Dobbelmann; brother, Bob; brothers-in-law, Norb Gill & Dick Dobbelmann. Complete Obituary
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