William F. Giersch

William F. Giersch
Ryan Mortuary
William F. Giersch, 79, of Salina, Kansas, passed away December 25th, 2012 doing what he loved: tending the family farm. The oldest of five children, William-or Bill as most knew him-was born on the same farm to Oscar and Mary Flavin Giersch September 22, 1933. A diligent and frugal man, Bill dedicated himself to working this family land for much of his life, leaving the farm only briefly to attend high school at Sacred Heart High School in Salina (graduated 1951), and to serve in the U.S. Navy from 1955-1957. Bill often warmly remembered these Navy years, recalling time spent both adrift at sea and docked in various locations around the world. Pressed to return home by the untimely death of his father, Bill took it upon himself to keep the farm functioning and profitable in the years to come, raising largely cattle and wheat on various plots throughout the Salina area. In 1973 Bill earned his AI certification at Kansas State University, allowing for the continued success of his ranching operation, and, of course, for the steady supply of his famous hamburger and steaks. In the years since, Bill served as a reputable and influential member in many local organizations including the Farm Bureau, the Saline County Rural Water District, and Headville Grain and Feed. He was also a longtime member of the American and Kansas Simmental Association. A loving husband of nearly 52 years, father for over 50, brother, uncle, grandfather, and much more, its true that Bill loved nothing more than to be surrounded by family and friends, but he could also find just as much to talk about in the company of complete strangers. Notorious for being an avid sports fan, he could always be depended on to provide information about the days big game, or to cheer on his favorite Kansas State Wildcats. And though the farm might have been his first priority, Bill truly enjoyed traveling and getting away from his obligations when he knew all at home remained in capable hands. Bill is survived by: Wife: Sandy Giersch Two children: Lisa Sloan (husband Dan Sloan) Scott Giersch Two grandchildren: Ryan and Ryley Schools Sisters: Shirley Hoover Patricia Morley (husband Bill Morley) 19 nieces and nephews Several great-nieces and nephews Many friends Bill is preceded in death by his parents; his brother-in-law, Gary Hoover; his sister, Donna Valentine; and his brother, Lyle Giersch. A rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 30th at Ryan Mortuary in Salina, KS followed by funeral services Monday, December 31st at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to one of the following Salina locations: St. Marys Catholic Church, Sacred Heart Junior/Senior High, and/or the Tammy Walker Cancer Center.

Ryan Mortuary

William F. Giersch, 79, of Salina, Kansas, passed away December 25th, 2012 doing what he loved: tending the family farm. The oldest of five children, William-or Bill as most knew him-was born on the same farm to Oscar and Mary Flavin Giersch September 22, 1933.

A diligent and frugal man, Bill dedicated himself to working this family land for much of his life, leaving the farm only briefly to attend high school at Sacred Heart High School in Salina (graduated 1951), and to serve in the U.S. Navy from 1955-1957.

Bill often warmly remembered these Navy years, recalling time spent both adrift at sea and docked in various locations around the world. Pressed to return home by the untimely death of his father, Bill took it upon himself to keep the farm functioning and profitable in the years to come, raising largely cattle and wheat on various plots throughout the Salina area.

In 1973 Bill earned his AI certification at Kansas State University, allowing for the continued success of his ranching operation, and, of course, for the steady supply of his famous hamburger and steaks. In the years since, Bill served as a reputable and influential member in many local organizations including the Farm Bureau, the Saline County Rural Water District, and Headville Grain and Feed. He was also a longtime member of the American and Kansas Simmental Association.

A loving husband of nearly 52 years, father for over 50, brother, uncle, grandfather, and much more, its true that Bill loved nothing more than to be surrounded by family and friends, but he could also find just as much to talk about in the company of complete strangers.

Notorious for being an avid sports fan, he could always be depended on to provide information about the days big game, or to cheer on his favorite Kansas State Wildcats. And though the farm might have been his first priority, Bill truly enjoyed traveling and getting away from his obligations when he knew all at home remained in capable hands.

Bill is survived by:
Wife: Sandy Giersch
Two children: Lisa Sloan (husband Dan Sloan)
Scott Giersch
Two grandchildren: Ryan and Ryley Schools
Sisters: Shirley Hoover
Patricia Morley (husband Bill Morley)
19 nieces and nephews
Several great-nieces and nephews
Many friends

Bill is preceded in death by his parents; his brother-in-law, Gary Hoover; his sister, Donna Valentine; and his brother, Lyle Giersch.

A rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 30th at Ryan Mortuary in Salina, KS followed by funeral services Monday, December 31st at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to one of the following Salina locations: St. Marys Catholic Church, Sacred Heart Junior/Senior High, and/or the Tammy Walker Cancer Center.