Allen John “Bud” Giese passed away at the age of 95 on June 24th, 2014 of pneumoniaat the Fort Harrison VA Medical Center in Helena, Montana. Bud was born on December 1st, 1918 in Great Falls, Montana to Walter J. and Grace E. Giese of Power, Montana. Bud grew up on a farm outside Power. He had nine siblings: Theodore, Hazel, Lester, Ruth, James, Helen, Lucille, Ruby, and Verna.
Bud attended school in Power through High School, graduating in 1936. After High School, Bud went to work for the Home Oil Company and later the Nelson Schofield Tire Company in Great Falls. Bud married his High School sweetheart Dorothy Keister on December 20th, 1939. They were married for 68 years until Dorothy passed away on January 31st, 2007. Bud was drafted into the United States Army in 1944. He served as a vehicle mechanic on Okinawa and after the war was over in Korea. He received an honorable discharge onApril 9th, 1946. He attained the rank of Technical Sergeant.
In 1947 Bud and Dorothy moved to Helena where he started the A & L Tire Company with a partner. Bud later bought out the business and operated it himself until he sold it in 1960. Bud then went to work for the State of Montana. He started out at the Liquor Warehouse and later moved to the Fish and Game Department. He retired as a purchasing agent for them in 1979.
Bud and Dorothy spent the next several years going South to Arizona for the winter months and returning to Montana for the summer. They enjoyed many side trips in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Mexico.
Bud was a very active bowler. He bowled on many leagues until the age of 91. Bud was also an avid horseshoe pitcher. He took 3rd place in the World Horseshoe Tournament in Spearfish, South Dakota at the age of 73. He and Dorothy also enjoyed card playing, shooting pool, camping, fishing and visiting with friends and family in their later years. Bud and Dorothy sold their house and moved to Hunters Pointe Retirement Community in 2004.
He and Dorothy enjoyed the company of many neighbors and friends at Hunters Pointe and in the community. Bud was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and wife Dorothy. Bud is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Bud was a kind, gentle man who always had a good word for everyone. He had a wry sense of humor that would bring a smile to anyones lips. Bud was loved and will be missed very much by all who knew him.
The family would like to thank the staff at Hunters Pointe, Elkhorn Health & Rehabilitation, and the VA Medical Center for all their kindness. Also a special thanks to Lowell and Marie Peeler for all they have done for Bud.
A graveside memorial service will be held for Bud at the State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison on July 11th, 2014 at 11:00 AM. A reception will be held immediately following the service at Anderson, Stevenson, Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 North Montana Avenue. Donations in Bud’s name can be made to the donors choice.
Linda and KIrt Kring says
Uncle BUD, Our loss is HEAVENS gain: You’ll be forever in our Thoughts and Prayers. Linda, Kirt, and Family
Sharon and Bob Giese says
Uncle Bud touched many in his life with his big heart and quick smile. We will remember Bud as a loving, caring, and giving person. He gave us all a part of himself. Bud and Dorothy did not have children, so they made all of us their children. Now, both are with our Lord, and I am sure looking after us.
God bless,
Bob and Sharon Giese
Gina Wood Franceschi says
It is God who created you and it is to God that you will go. Nothing exists in between. This world is a temporary visitation. Visit it with love. From your Grand niece, Gina