Raymond Otto Giese, of Antigo, died peacefully Friday, August 6, 2010 at Langlade Hospital. He was 97 years old. He was born on February 7, 1913 in Antigo, the eldest child of Joseph and Anna (Nonnemacher) Giese. He married Irene Loos on April 11, 1942 at St. John Catholic Church, Antigo. She preceded him in death on June 24, 1988.

He attended St. John Grade school for eight years, at age 14 he began working for the Husnick family on their fox farm, and later at the Tie Plug factory in Antigo.

He served in the United States Army during WWII with the 14th Armored Division in France, Belgium and Germany under the direction of General Patton. He was wounded while in Europe and received the Purple Heart Medal.

Following military service Mr. Giese returned to Antigo where he worked in beer delivery and sales for Norbert Listle, and later for Walter Blazek. For over 20 years he worked as custodian at the City of Antigo landfill having retired at age 71.

He was a lifelong member of St. John Catholic Church where he was an usher for 30 years. He was also a member of Sparks-Doernenburg American Legion Post #3-Antigo, and Leland Tollefson Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2653-Antigo.

Survivors include two sons Tom Giese, Antigo, Bob Giese, Beloit; one daughter Sheila (Terry) Jeffery, Sparta; one sister Germaine Szitta, Bryant; three Grandchildren Clint (Betsy) Jeffrey, Minneapolis, MN, Jenni (Jason) Vieth, Eau Claire, Adam and Max Giese, Janesville; two great grandchildren Marisa and Olivia Vieth.

In addition to his wife and parents he was preceded in death by two brothers Al and Harry Giese.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church, with Rev. Charles Hoffmann officiating. Entombment will take place in Queen of Peace Mausoleum where the Antigo Veterans will conduct military honors. Visitation will be 3:30 - 8:00 p.m. on Monday and 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the Bradley Funeral Home. A parish wake service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Monday also at the funeral home.

Online condolences at www.bradleyfh.com.

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