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Joseph Gietl Obituary
Gietl, Pastor of St. Edward Parish in Spring and the Episcopal Vicar of the Northern Vicariate of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston passed away on August 17, 2013. Father Gietl has served as a priest and Pastor in the Houston area since 1978. First at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Sweeney, then Sacred Heart in Crosby and next at St. Ambrose in Houston. Fr. Gietl was ordained as a Priest of the Sacred Heart in September 1973 and earned a Master of Divinity degree in 1974. Prior to his Houston assignments, Fr. Gietl had various other duties with the Sacred Heart order throughout the U.S.
Fr. Gietl was born on September 28, 1943 in Detroit, Mich. He is preceded in death by his Mother (Kathleen Dalton Gietl), his Father (Joseph A Gietl) brother (Thomas Gietl) brother in law (John Carter, Sr.) and nephew (Jeffrey Carter). He is survived by his siblings Judy Carter, Bob (Karen), Jerry (Joyce), Dan (Donna), Paul (Kathy), Ginger and Jim (Kathy), 11 nieces, 7 nephews and 17 great nieces and nephews. He attended school at Saint Francis de Sales in Detroit and ultimately graduated from the University of Detroit.
He enlisted in the US Marine Corp in 1966 and served in Vietnam most notably at the TET offensive at Khe Sanh. He was a Marine forever and was honored in 2012 to have the Service Window at the Marine Corps Chapel at Quantico, Va endowed in his name. While in the Marines he earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Father Gietl was a well known and beloved pastor in the Houston area. He led many fund raising campaigns to build churches and schools. His legacy in these pursuits is significant. He also led both the Houston and National Marriage Encounter initiative for a number of years.
Father Gietl will be sorely missed by his family, many friends, parishioners of St. Edwards and other parishes he led as well as the diocese of Galveston-Houston.
Visitation from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and a vigil service will be held at 7:00 p.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church in Spring, Texas, Monday, August 19, 2013.
Funeral Mass Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at St. Edward Catholic Church at 2:00 p.m., Daniel Cardinal DiNardo presiding.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Gietl
Sponsored by Anonymous.
Roger Bate
August 12, 2022
I remember with great joy and humility the exceptional experiences we share in Retrouvaille with Fr Joe. He was a great, down to earth man who always had his heart in Heaven. It was stare privilege to have known and loved him.
Peter Tan
January 14, 2021
Master Sergeant Ed Mata,
Do you know that Fr. Gietl is buried in the VA Cemetery in Houston? He chose to be buried there instead of the Priests Cemetery. I led the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Honor Guard at his funeral.
Peter Tan.
Kelli Lines
January 13, 2021
Father Gietl married me my first marriage. I remember his calming spirit during a very intense time in my life.
Gale Okruhlik
August 12, 2020
I still think of Father Gietl often. I miss his homilies. I miss the way he would talk about his life in his homilies. I miss his gruff personality when inside he was really a big, fluffy teddy bear. I miss Christmas Eve children's mass with him and how he would invite all the kids up to the altar and was so good with them. He was funny, firm, gentle, a quiet servant, a mentor to so many. I thank him for his service to this country and all the memorable homilies that inspired/made a difference in my life.
Peter Tan
August 25, 2014
It's been a year Fr. Joe. I miss you very much, especially those lunches you used to bump from me at Babin's. Please intercede for our intentions from Heaven.
Manuel Dias
April 27, 2014
May God Bless Father Joseph.
We met briefly in Quang Tri just before the 26th Marines were sent up to Khe Sang. I remember speaking to him about my twin brother Lewis who had entered Saint Joseph's Seminary at the same time I entered the Marine Corps in 1967.
Father Joe and I corresponded for several years at Christmas time and then somehow over the years we lost track of each other. If I am correct he was at the time in a parish in Wisconsin.
MAY GOD HAVE HIM IN HIS CARE IN HEAVEN
deidra Jones
December 21, 2013
Rip Father Joe.
Edward Mata
November 20, 2013
In Memoriam
I received my copy of Red Clay Today and learned that my friend Father Joe Gietl had passed away on August 17, 2013.
I met Joe Gietl in October of 1967 at Phu Bai South Vietnam while serving with the “G” CO. 2ndBN 26th Marines, 3rd Marine Division. Joe was assigned as a rifleman, Private First Class at the time. I was serving as First Sergeant and in dire need of someone with some college education to serve as company unit diary clerk. After reviewing several service records I asked my Company Commander, Captain Overstreet to consider Joe for the job. Joe became our unit diary clerk and because he learned so fast was meritoriously promoted to Lance Corporal six weeks later. Joe was a natural at maintaining an errorless unit diary which effected all stages of our Marines lives as related to pay, promotions, leave and new joins, transfers and yes, unfortunately timely reporting of casualties. Joe also served as postal clerk and sorted /delivered our lifeline to the bush on surrounding hills.
Right before Christmas Eve we received orders to move north and were transported my C-130 aircraft to our new home at Khe Sanh Combat Base and would remain there till April of 1968. President Johnson ordered Marines at Khe Sanh to hold the base at all costs.
Upon arrival we were met with erratic mortar and artillery fire so we dug in underground and lived as such on a daily basis. My staff considered Cpl Cooper and LCpls Gietl and Garribay.
During the siege at Khe Sanh we were bombarded with hundreds of incoming rocket and mortar shells daily. One day in January 1968, we received over 1100 incoming rounds. During this period we also lost our Chaplain and several Marines during an outside service. I believe Father Joe never forgot that incident.
We all got to know each other pretty well during these days of absolute mayhem. My biggest problem with Joe was making him wear his helmet. I was on his case constantly and it soon became a matter of humor between us. He told me he wanted to be a priest someday and I told him he would never be a Bishop, Cardinal or Pope because they all wore covers!
I left Khe Sanh in April of 1968 and found out our unit went on board ship for return to Okinawa, Japan.
All contact was lost between Father Joe and I until about five years ago when I received a call around 2 AM in the morning and it was Joe. My wife had been working on line trying to find him. She located a niece of his and she helped put us in touch.
Father Joe, (with that laugh of his, hehehe) told me he was a “Padre” which is Spanish for “father” of course. I teased him about playing for the San Diego “Padres”, never expecting to learn he had been a priest for the past 35 years.
The next time I heard from Father Joe was when he was having problems applying for his disability through the V.A. My wife and I were honored to be able to help him in this regard. I'll never forget the day he received his first disability payment, he called to tell he was “rich”.
About two years ago we were going to take a trip out to see Father Joe. Our plans came to a halt when we became caregiver for my wife's mother who is now 97 years old.
I will miss Father Joe. He was a man of quick humor, the highest of character and a genuine patriot.
The last stanza of the Marine Corps Hymn is as follows:
If the Army and the Navy ever
Look on Heavens scenes
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines.
Rest in Peace Father Joe.
Sempra Fi
Ed Mata
Master Sergeant U.S. Marine Corps (R)
2nd BN, 26th Marines CO “G”
3rd Marine Division
Fleet Marine Force Pacific.
Lori Comley
October 17, 2013
You have been missed here in Sweeny for many years. I have two pictures of you with my daughter in a white dress and veil. Her First Communion and her wedding. We felt so blessed to have you perform these two special and blessed occasions.
christine coon
September 3, 2013
May your soul rest in peace with our great Lord. Thank you for being a great mentor. I will miss you.
Albert and Sarah
August 30, 2013
We will miss you Father Gietl, St. Edwards won't be the same without you. Rest in peace.
Barbara Sedita
August 29, 2013
Rest in peace Father Joe.
Renate Stafford
August 26, 2013
St. Edwards will not be the same without you, Father Joe. We will miss you but know you are with your Father. God Bless you.
Angela Gravouia
August 25, 2013
You made us feel like we had a piece of home with us at St Edward when we were transferred from La. I am sorry we didn't make it back to see you once we moved back home. My son loved waiting for his fist bump after mass. You would be so proud of him, now an altar server. We will miss you. Thanks for the lasting impression you left on our family. Please pray for us.
The Gravouia Family
Lafayette La
August 23, 2013
we will miss you, you brought life back to St Edwards. Thank you for your help on the Angles.
Jed, Jenny and Joshua Elegado
August 22, 2013
Thank you so much for everything that you have done for our St. Edward School and Church Community!!!!You are a symbol of hard work and dedication...May you rest now in the arms of Mama Mary and our Lord Jesus Christ. You have finished the race - Now is the time to receive God's gift of peace and eternal life...You will surely be missed.
Thomas Brennan
August 22, 2013
I was out of town for the past week and saddened to hear of Father Joe's passing. He helped me through some difficult times and always had a kind inspiring word. Myself being Irish he and I had a few stories to tell each other that we got great joy from. Rest in Peace Father.
Pat & Roger Bate
August 21, 2013
We will miss you dear friend. We will cherish our many years of giggles, tears, & prayer with you. You will be a part of our hearts always. We will talk often. Put in a 'good word' for us The next diner we have together is on you. Thank you Joe for loving us.
August 21, 2013
Fr. Joe
Rest in Peace with the Lord now and forever. It was a blessing to deacon with you at Mass in the Most Holy Eucharist you loved so much. Your love for the Lord and His Church and sacraments taught me a lot about serving God's people.
I was unable to be with you at your Mass of Resurrection as I was in Chicago visiting Mary Ann's family with her. However I will always remember my last visit with you at the hospital a day or so after you had the ventilator tube removed so you could talk. You were looking forward to getting to the rehab hospital.
Fr. Joe, pray for us to help all the people of St. Edward's to heaven with our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus.
Well done good and faithful servant of the Lord,
Deacon Ken & Mary Ann Martin
Sunday mass at the tomb of Lazarus
John Gastmyer
August 21, 2013
Fr. Joe's service to our Catholic Community was a honor I enjoyed. Fr. Joe was our spiritual adviser during the 2011 Holy Land Pilgrimage. During this time Fr. Joe and I became more acquainted. I was honored that he permitted me to be his altar server at the Church of St. Joseph in Nazareth.
Fr. Joe celebrates Sunday Mass at the tomb of Lazarus
John Gastmyer
August 21, 2013
Fr. Joe meets the Artisan who carved the new St. Edward Church Nativity Scene
John Gastmyer
August 21, 2013
Fr Joe celebrates Mass at the Church of the Transfiguration
John Gastmyer
August 21, 2013
Fr. Joe sailing on th Sea of Galilee
John Gastmyer
August 21, 2013
Fr. Joe at Cana (The Holy Land)
John Gastmyer
August 21, 2013
Church of Beatitudes Sea of Galilee
John Gastmyer
August 21, 2013
Carol Melnar
August 21, 2013
Rest in Peace Fr Gietl, my condolences to the Parish for your loss.
Douglas & Rose Smith
August 21, 2013
Dear Fr. Joe,... You are now at peace and in the company of all the glory and awe in heaven. As a visitor (from Los Angeles) to the Houston area from time to time, St. Edward was one of my choices for the holy Mass. I loved that you dared to sing because I am as you, I cannot carry a tune! I thank God for having known you and for all the gifts of encouragement and inspiration you gave me. I could see what a great gift you were to the communities you served. Rest in peace and please always pray for us!
Deady Family
August 21, 2013
Know that you are looking down on us still singing off key and rooting on the Texans from heaven! You will be missed!
Marsha Coco
August 21, 2013
Fr. Joe assisted me in filing for an annulment which was no easy task however, after two years of waiting Greg and I were blessed to have full Catholic wedding performed by Fr. Joe. He taught us many things about life and relationships. He was a wonderful pastor and leader for the congregation of Sacred Heart in Crosby who will be missed by many. He had us doing things that were outside of our comfort zone however, we did them and in hindsight he was helping us to grow in our faith and I am grateful for his insight. My condolences to the family for your loss.
Diana Davis
August 20, 2013
I was honored to have Fr. Joe be the presider of my 8th grade graduation mass from St. Edward School. I had sang the responsorial psalm and he told me that God gave me a gift and I needed to use that gift and keep on singing. I promised him I would.
Sandy Boner
August 20, 2013
Heaven received a special angel.. Please know that our family will miss you. Continue to look after us. Thank you for your devotion to our faith. May you rest with our Lord.
Love,
The Boner Family
Shawn, Sandy, Reygan, Samuel, and Natalie
Linda Bilski Johnson
August 20, 2013
To Father Joe's Family & Friends,
Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of this wonderful man. It is still hard to believe we won't be seeing him at Mass anymore.
Although we are sad, we are happy to know that he is in Heaven now. I know he will never be in pain anymore, and will be forever playing the best rounds of golf ever!
St. Edward's has become a much better place because of him, and the children are really going to miss him. We are all going to miss him.
May the Lord uplift and sustain you all during the coming days as you adjust to this great loss.
Sincerely,
Linda & Phillip Johnson
Yanina Neves
August 20, 2013
My son, Haniel who attends St. Edward School received his First Holy Communion from Fr. Joe. Fr. Joe had such a great love for the school and the children. I remember when Fr. Joe would always ask Haniel to become a priest when he was in first and second grade. But, I think after seeing that Haniel was a very talented pianist he stopped because God has other plans for Haniel. Fr. Joe was a great proponent in strengthening the church and praying for vocations. He will be missed. God Bless you Fr. Joe!
Yanina & Haniel Neves
August 20, 2013
Jose Santos
August 20, 2013
Fr. Joe ..Thank you for allowing us to be one of the Ministries of St. Edward. You will always be in our hearts - Couples For Christ Foundation for Family and Life (Chapter 1 - Houston)
Christina Verhalen
August 20, 2013
Fr. Gietl was very welcoming to our family when we first moved to Houston. He was very passionate about his parish and will be missed by the many he served.
Zalesak Family
August 20, 2013
What an amazing legacy you leave for us Father Gietl! I have read each and every entry and agree with them all. You made my wedding in 1987 a wonderful, if not humorous, event in my life. I will be forever grateful for your guidance. You baptized each of our three boys, the youngest (now 20) we brought to you in Houston. You were the one and only priest that we wanted to set our children on their path as you set us on ours. Thank you Lord for giving us Father Gietl for a little while. He will definitely be missed by many. Until we meet again....
August 20, 2013
Fr. Joe. We will miss your wonderful meaningful homilies, your smile, your presence. We know you are now in heaven and at peace. Thank you for blessing us when I was 7 months pregnant with that beautiful family blessing in May 2012. We will never forget you. You are one of a kind!! Love and Prayers,
The Kerrigan's
Thomas Sikora
August 20, 2013
Fr. Gietl… You are one of the most influential people in my life. It was my pleasure and honor serving as altar server with you at Sacred Heart Church in Crosby. I looked forward to your sermons and homily (both school version and adult). We are indebted to you for your service and sacrifice. You are most deserving of your place in heaven and may your rest in peace with our Heavenly Father.
Carol McKenna
August 20, 2013
Father Joe you will always be remembered with love.
Cassie Richmond
August 20, 2013
Roger Navarre
August 20, 2013
I am so sad to hear of Father Joe's passing. We met only infrequently since our days in the seminary but Joe made a lasting impression on me. May God welcome him into his Kingdom.
Cassie Richmond
August 20, 2013
Nona Kutach
August 20, 2013
At Sacred Heart in Crosby Fr. Joe asked me one day why I never took Holy Communion and I had to tell him that I was not Catholic. He fixed that! He taught RCIA and was a very tough teacher. I remember his words at the last class "Whatever you do, do not ever just sit in a pew - you must share your faith and work in the Lord's name". In the short time he was at Sacred Heart he converted me, had me on the school board when my daughter was only 3, I became a Eucharistic Minister, went door to door begging for money for our new hall, chaired the Spring Benefit, then right before he left had us chair the Czech Festival. He did so much for our Parish and all that he served. He was stern but loving. Our family was honored to call him our Priest and our friend. He was a salesman, a wonderful priest and a dear friend who will be missed by all who ever had the privlige of knowing him.
Hannah Toerner
August 20, 2013
I don't even know where to begin with you, Fr. Gietl. Through the countless memories that have been created in your 13 years as the pastor, you have shaped me into the person I am today, and I would like to say thank you. Thank you for the education you assured that St. Edwards School would provide. Thank you for years of giving me the opportunity to altar serve and sacristan for you. Thank you for the numerous blessings you have bestowed upon me. Thank you for bringing the parish and church to what it is today, and most of all, thank you for being one of the most influential people in my life.
I believe that there is not a single person in the entire world that looks forward to, or is more deserving of, the kingdom of God.
You will truly be missed, despite the fact that your presence in the hearts of parishioners will forever be acknowledged.
God bless,
Hannah Toerner
Frances Hohl
August 20, 2013
Oh Father Joe, Why Didn't I Call You For Our Lunch Date After My Summer Vacation? That'll Teach Me For Putting Things Off. You Made All Your Parishes Better Places To Worship. Hope You Know What You Meant To All Of Us.
Diane Longoria-Moreno
August 19, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to Father Joe's family. We new him from St Ambrose and greatly appreciated him. God bless.
Danny and Jenni Walthall
August 19, 2013
Fr. Joe spent lots of time helping marriages and had a passion for those struggling relationships in Retrouvaille. He was involved almost 30 years that we know of. He was there for us when we were struggling and continued to be our friend as we worked on improving our relationship with each other and with God. He was truly devoted to the importance of the sacrament of marriage.
He could sometimes get tough on us to treat each other right, but we knew he was driven by love. We will all miss the Little General, Fr. Joe Gietl.
Houston Retrouvaille-Ministry for Struggling Marriages
Mary Labruzzi
August 19, 2013
I am so sad to hear of Father Joe's passing. What a wonderful man, he was so good with the children the last time we saw him my 4 year old ran up to give him a big hug and he was so sweet with her. That will be my favorite memory of him. God Bless you always Father.
August 19, 2013
My family was so saddened to hear of Father Joe's passing. We always looked forward to Mass with him and he was always so friendly especially to our son. I know he is home now in paradise and I'm happy for him, but he will be sorely missed here at St. Edwards. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. God bless you Father Joe.
The Greene Family
Cindy Garcia-Calvillo
August 19, 2013
Father Joe you will miss dearly. You married us back in 1980 in Sweeny, Texas. I had I son that I named him after you. He's Richard Joseph. I really enjoy visiting with you. God Bless you. Rest in Peace my dear friend.
August 19, 2013
To you, Dan Gietl, especially, and all of Joe's family: my condolences, prayer, and particular remembrance at my Masses for the life of a good man.
Haven't seen Joe in years, but remember him well; can't remember whether it was you, Danny -- I was your classmate at Donaldson another lifetime ago -- or Joe whom we used to sing "Gun, Gietl, gun, woe hoe -- to, to the tune of Paul Anka's opening stanza of "Breaking up is hard to do" during basketball games. In any case, Joe would whack me for it years later.
The memories of him are always of goodness, and much laughter. I know he'll continue to spread that in an even larger way now.
Again, God bless you all in Joe's name.
Jim (Andy) Herman
[email protected]
Los Angeles
Diane McAlpine & Family
August 19, 2013
Father Joe was an inspiration to our family. While at St. Ambrose parish he saw my three through various phases of their Christian life - St. Ambrose School (Meaghan & Brittany), alter serving (Nick & Brittany), first Holy communion (Brittany) and Confirmation (Nick). While at St. Edwards, it was a special moment when he baptized my 1st granddaughter (Gwendolyn). Our prayers are with the Gietl Family.
August 19, 2013
Father Joe,
Thank you for all that you have done for the St. Edwards community and our family. From your singing, to your homily, to your final words of wisdom at each mass, you will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. The McCanna Family
Mario M. Rodriguez
August 19, 2013
Father Joe Gietl led the St. Ambrose Community and built our church. I was fortunate to serve on the Pastoral Council. His faith and ease in leadership is a powerful advocate.
First Communion Mass May 2004
August 19, 2013
Jerry Wiess
August 19, 2013
Having known Joe since 1957(our 1st year in the seminary), he has always been a good and faithful friend. Even though separated by many miles, his visits to our homes were always welcomed treat. Having baptized my 2 daughters and grandson, Joe has a very
special connection with our family. My thoughts and prayers are with his brothers (hosts of the "Greater Gietl Open) and his sisters Judy & Ginger.
Father Joe always called them his girlfriends.
August 19, 2013
Fr. John Kasparek
August 19, 2013
I was sorry to hear of Fr. Joe's passing on from this life to the next, yet that is our ultimate goal. As a seminary classmate and fellow Detroiter I will miss Joe as so many have expressed. To his family and friends I want to express my support through prayer. "May the Peace of the Risen Christ be yours, Joe!"
Maria and Joe Magee
August 19, 2013
We have been parishioners at St. Edward for over 10 years and will miss Fr. Gietl. He was a good priest and did a lot for the parish.
Michelle Engman
August 19, 2013
We will miss you at St. Edward's, Fr. Joe! We enjoyed going to all your Masses whenever we visited Texas. May he rest in peace.
Caryn Haley
August 19, 2013
Oh Father Joe... You will be missed by so many!
Fr. Timothy Gray SCJ
August 19, 2013
I was saddened to hear of the death of Fr. Geitl. I am a member of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, and he was a member of our religious community for several years. We are both from Detroit, and our mothers also knew each other through the Detroit Mothers' Club. I served several terms in Houston from 1986 to 2008, so I have known Joe over many years.
I knew his brothers -- I went to school with Dan and Tom, and was shocked to hear that Tom has already died.
I want to pass on my condolences to the family, especially to Dan (I was in the seminary class behind him, a "lowly" freshman, so he probably doesn't remember me; I knew Tom better -- he served on my work crew for a year)
He and the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Fr. Tim Gray SCJ
Sacred Heart House of Studies
1421 E. 53rd St.
Chicago IL 60615
Ray and Shawn Vanderworp
August 19, 2013
Father Joe.. When my family first met you we were happy to know they we were both from Detroit. We felt like we came home when we joined St Edwards. We looked forward to your sermons and loved how you opened up with a joke. You made us laugh but also made our faith stronger than ever. You will be missed. We cannot imagine St Edwards without you. We love you Father Joe. May you rest in peace with our Heavenly Father .
The Zientek Family
August 19, 2013
As our daughter was blessed to Altar Sever for Father Joe, We know is love will always be with us. He will be to all the kids at St.Edward a guiding light.
Lisa Dusek
August 19, 2013
Fr. Joe was the pastor at St. Ambrose when we first started attending. Really enjoyed him and missed him when he left. RIP and God Bless.
Allison Leonard
August 19, 2013
I will always remember the good advice you gave me in confession, including once to go home and hug my husband for my penance, and to always trust in the mercy of God.
Eternal rest grant unto him, o Lord, and perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
G Okruhlik
August 19, 2013
Father Joe, you have made such a huge impact in the life of myself and my family. It won't be the same going to mass and not having all the unexpected little comments, jokes and things you did. Those altar servers could never hold that book high enough for you:). I bet people won't leave mass early either without hearing in the back of their minds, "Have fun at Denney's". You have baptized my children, offered them their first communion and sent many messages through your homilies that I personally will never forget. I will miss those rosy cheeks and your little grumbles and chuckles. May you rest in peace, the pain is gone and now your glory has begun. We love you and will miss you. The Okruhlik Family
The Buchwald Family
August 19, 2013
Father Joe, you will be remembered for how you have guided our lives and helped us improve.
Rich and Cathy Rankel
August 18, 2013
We will truly miss your guiding light at St. Edward Church and School. May you find rest and peace with our Heavenly Father. You have made such an impact on the Rankel families, Rich, Cathy, Billy, Richie and Heather, Taylor and Megan.
John Bender
August 18, 2013
He was one of the biggest influences in my life.
Erin Sifuentes
August 18, 2013
Dearest Father Joe,
Your spiritual guidance here on Earth at St. Edwards will be missed each and every mass. We seek comfort in knowing with out a doubt that you continue to serve in that role for us. We know you will always provide us with spiritual guidance as you now serve in Heaven with Our Heavenly Father. Peace Be With You, Father Joe
The Sifuentes Family
Marlene Osika
August 18, 2013
God Bless you, Father Joe, may you have Peace in Heaven with the Lord! Thank you for everything you did to make St. Edwards a Great Parish!
Vicki & Mike Kraemer
August 18, 2013
Father Joe married me and my husband in Sweeny, 1979, then baptized all of my children, which included his first set of twins. I missed him when he moved and I know he is at home now. Thank you for everything you did for our family!
Kathy Boone
August 18, 2013
Father Joe married my husband and I at St. John's in West Columbia TX. He was a great friend. He made us laugh and gave us wonderful guidance. He will be sorely missed. God bless you!
Gina Monteleone
August 18, 2013
Father Joe will always hold a special place in my heart. He gave me my first communion and celebrated and mourned so many events with my family. I hope he is having a good talk with my dad in heaven.
A Sturek
August 18, 2013
Father Joe,
From your occasional grouchiness to your heart warming smile, your presence will be greatly missed, and fondly remember from now on. Welcome home father Joe, welcome home.
Carolyn Hubenak
August 18, 2013
Instrumental in the creation of Saint John the Apostle church and youth group,you were our shepherd. Thank you for your service to the people of GOd.
RIP Joe Gietl
Kathy Dumoit
August 18, 2013
Father Joe started the Altar Society at St. Edward and we thank him for his blessings and support. He will be missed, but feel comfort in knowing he is with Our Heavenly Father.
Emily Eisterhold
August 18, 2013
Fr. Joe, it's odd to think you won't be at mass anymore singing along with me. Growing up with you beside me has been a great experience. First Reconciliation, Confirmation, going to college... So many great experiences have happened with you around, and you became one of my biggest fans! Thank you for that! I love you, and am sure you're enjoying the heavenly banquet with Christ and all of our loved ones above. I know you're still singing with me from above, and it's great. You are missed, and God bless.
Veronica Eisterhold-Monarch
August 18, 2013
Father Joe, you have been a large part of my life from Youth Group and CCE to baptising my daughter. You will be missed, but I know that you are home with God.
M Reutzel
August 18, 2013
Thank you for your support and guidance. You will be missed. I truly appreciate all you have done for me and my family over the years. We love you.
Bonnie Locke
August 18, 2013
God Bless Father Joseph and all of your family.
B Powers
August 18, 2013
We first met Father Gietl when our children started St. Edward's School. A man of great stature. Morning car line will not be the same without you waving as we drop off the kids. Our family will greatly miss you.
Ellen M. Hughes
August 18, 2013
Warm memories of Father Gietl as I served as Principal of Sacred Heart School in Crosby. My condolences to his family. He now rejoices in the fruits of his many labors!
August 18, 2013
Father Gietl,
You were a blessing to our family and parish. We love you and we will miss your smile.
Love,
Melisia & Cameron Kelly
Jeff Weber
August 18, 2013
Rest in peace Father Joe. You were a great inspiration to our family. God Bless!
Kevin White
August 18, 2013
Father Joe was a tough man. He tried to lead me to be the best that I could be. Thank you, bless you, and may Christ welcome you home with joy.
SK Dennis Majeski
August 18, 2013
Gietl Family:
Please know that Father Joe will be m greatly missed at St. Edward Church and throughout our whole community.
Father Joe, helped create the local Knights of Columbus council 14512 and he was also a 4th Degree Knight. He was a huge supporter of the Knights of Columbus. Father Joe was a Fourth Degree Knight, which is the highest degree in the K of C.
Father Joe will also be known a big supporter of the youth within our community. He would always go out of his way to speak to the young men and ladies of St. Edward.
Please know that God blessed us with his presence and many accomplishments.
The Gietl Family has our support and prayers as you grieve for a good priest and kind soul.
Peace Be with you.
Candy Derdak
August 18, 2013
We will miss you Father Joe, but you are with your Father now and will be a blessing in heaven...Peace be with you.
Candy Derdak
August 18, 2013
Father Joe was my first and only priest since I became a catholic in 2005 and came into the church Easter 2008. I was blessed to have know such and amazing priest. He will be missed by his parish.
Chris Aubert
August 17, 2013
RIP, my friend. God bless you.
Father's Day 2011
Rhonda Aubert
August 17, 2013
Fr. Joe touched my life in so many ways. We used to talk about everything from the faith, to the Texans, the Astros, his golf game, his friends and family and of course the need for a Catholic high school! I will miss him, but, I hope St. Peter has a tee time ready for him;)
Sharon Valente
August 17, 2013
Fr. Joe, when we first moved to Spring, you said to me to come celebrate mass with the St. Edward community. That is how I will always remember you.
Remembering you in our prayers and thoughts.
The Valente Family
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