Marian J. Giese

Marian Giese 92, of Princeton, WI, former Mayville resident, left this life to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday December 25th, 2022.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Mayville with Pastor Traci Maass officiating. Visitation will be held at church from 11:00 am until time of service at 12:00 p.m. Inurnment will be at St. Paul’s cemetery at a later date.

Marian was born January 7th, 1930, a daughter of Ray and Sylvia Schellpfeffer. She lived most of her life in Mayville growing up on the silver fox farm just west of town and coming back to the same farm later to raise her family.

She was baptized and confirmed her faith at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. She went to grade school at the Demonstration room of the County Normal School, later called Dodge County Teachers College in Mayville, where she was taught by student teachers. She graduated from Mayville High School. Marian learned the value of a hard day’s work from her parents. She learned her civic duty early in life through Girl Scouts, Jr. Luther League, 4-H, Jr. Red Cross, and many other activities. She carried these values into her adult life.

Marian was united in marriage to the love of her life, Marvin Giese, at St. Paul’s, Mayville. Together they raised eight children with firm, patient guidance. They were dedicated to improving opportunities for their oldest son Richard, who had Down’s Syndrome. In the 1950’s they worked tirelessly with other parents to establish the first school in Dodge County for students with learning disabilities. Marian transported many students for the first 10 years with the family station wagon. They were very active in the Dodge Co. ARC.

In 1965 Marian and Marvin bought their first truck and truck camper, which ignited their love of travel that lasted over 50 years. The early years included lots of kids for travel companions. They roamed through 46 of the 50 states, including driving the ALCAN Highway in 1977. They also enjoyed touring Hawaii and 8 other countries.

Marian worked at Laab’s Family Shoe Store for over 22 years, conveniently across the road from her home. She was a lifetime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, WELCA and the quilters. She was a member of Mayville Senior Center and later the Princeton Seniors. She was a member of the Mayville Historical Society, the White limestone School Museum, and Mayville’s Women’s Service League. She volunteered her time with Meals on Wheels, working the election polls and the blood bank. Marian had a head and heart full of the information. She was a great family historian right up to the end.

Marian will be dearly missed by her children: Terry (Shelley), Rita (Fred) Nickel, John (Laurie), Jeff (Kay), Wilbur Jay, Scott, Lorna (Bill) Gensch, 13 Grandchildren; 29 Great Grandchildren; and 1 Great Great Grandchild. Also missing her are 2 sisters: Vivian (Gene) McEathron, Bette (Marc) Volenec; 4 sisters-in-law: Shirley Gruber, Dorothy Krueger, Bonnie Okon, Faye Giese; and many other relatives and friends.

Marian was preceded in death by her husband Marvin; son, Richard; and many family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or Mayville Historical Society, Inc.

Marian’s service will be live-streamed on St. Paul’s Facebook page. It can be viewed here –

https://m.facebook.com/Stpaulmayville/