Giesseman, Ruth E.

Ruth E. Giesseman, 89, of Park Rapids, Minn., formerly of Mason City, Iowa, died Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, at St. Joseph's Area Health Services in Park Rapids. A spring 2012 graveside service will be held on May 19 at Elmwood Cemetery in Mason City.

Ruth Elizabeth Lund was born Dec. 3, 1922, in Mason City, Iowa. She grew up and attended school in Mason City, graduating from high school in 1940. She was united in marriage to Marion Freeman Giesseman on Dec. 21, 1946.

Ruth enjoyed reading, exercising, attending church, Bible study, reading to her grandchildren, playing cards and cooking. Ruth will be remembered for her zest for life. She loved living at Summerfield Apartments, she always enjoyed her neighbors and friends. She also enjoyed writing letters to her friends and family near and far, always interested in the ups and downs of everyone's lives. Ruth always had something to teach but she also enjoyed learning from others. May her lessons live on.

Ruth is survived by her children, Andrea (Steve) Frank of Park Rapids, Minn., Marjorie (Conrad) Rehbach of Taos, N.M., Joanie Giesseman of Minneapolis and Michael Giesseman of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; seven grandchildren, John (Leslie) Frank of Minnetonka, Minn., Chad (Sherry) Frank of River Falls, Wis., Kevin (Jaimee) Frank of Yorkville, Ill., Jason (Jaime) Frank of Hazel, Ky., Theo Rehbach of Olympia, Wash., Ita Rehbach (Wil Chang) of Hanau, Germany and Emmy Jo Giesseman of Cedar Rapids; and three great-grandchildren, Zachary Frank of Minntonka, Minn., Zoe Frank of Yorkville, Ill., and Max Frank of Yorkville, Ill.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Iva; and husband.

Friends may leave online condolences at

Published Dec. 22, 2011, in The Gazette