JEROME VINCENT GLEESING

Our loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother died April 25th, 2010.

Jerome Vincent Gleesing youngest son of Pete and Agnes Gleesing was born in LaMoure, ND on August 9, 1924.

Fellow student Larraine Witt, introduced Jerome to the love of his life, Nancy Fearing, when they were both fifteen. They married June 1, 1944: and were looking forward to celebrating their 66th wedding anniversary this year.

Jerome, along with friends Cal Forbes and Jack Onstead enlisted in WWII. Jerome was a flight officer in the army air corps during his service. In January 1945 Jerome was missing in action in Germany then became prisoner of war.

While Jerome was overseas Nancy lived and worked in Fargo, ND. Once Jerome returned home he continued his education at North Dakota State University. In 1948, Jerome became a vocational agriculture and woodshop teacher in Crosby, ND. He then moved with his family in 1955, to Mt. Vernon, WA and worked for Washington Co Op which became Western Farmers Association. In 1962, he was transferred to Spokane, WA as the manager, transferring to Yakima, WA in 1969. In 1971, he accepted an appraiser position at the Federal Intermediate Credit Bank in Spokane Where he worked until he retired.

After retirement he volunteered at the St. Vincent de Paul "Meals on Wheels" program. He enjoyed the camaraderie of "The Old Men's Club" AKA his golfing pals. Jerome was very active in the local chapter of Ex-Prisoners of War acting as commander at the time of his death, and twice commander statewide. He was also an active Republican Precinct Officer for Spokane Valley.

He is survived by his loving wife Nancy in Spokane, WA; his children Mary Jean Mosbauer, Portland, OR; John Gleesing, Spokane, WA; Jim Gleesing, Yakima, WA; Joe and Cindy Gleesing, Spokane, WA; Patrick Gleesing, Seattle, WA; Jerry and Nancy Heuett, Bonney Lake, WA; and TJ Gleesing, Everett, WA.

To his wife and children he will always be the tallest and best looking man in every room and at every event. He could do anything that needed fixing from putting new zippers in jeans to repairing washers, dryers, and cars.

He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great nephews, his sister Rita Thomas, LaMoure, ND; Irene Borys, Minneapolis, MN.

He was preceded by his brothers Robert, Tom, and Harold Gleesing.

Those of us left will treasure his memory in our hearts forever.