Azela Katherine Gohl GIESE

1937 - 2023

BORN

1937

DIED

2023

Azela GIESE Obituary

Name: Visitation for Azela Katherine Gohl GIESE
Start: 2023-03-31T14:00:00.000Z
Location: St. Rose of Lima

Of St. Paul, MN Passed away on January 16, 2023, at Episcopal Homes in St. Paul Mn. Azela was born June 19, 1937, in Bagley, MN to Joseph and Beata Gohl and was one of 8 children. She graduated from Bagley High School in 1955 and with a baccalaureate degree in occupational therapy from the College of St. Catherine in 1959. Azela served on the faculty at the College of St. Catherine from 1962-1998. She had leadership roles as department chair and academic fieldwork coordinator. She was named a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association and awarded the title of Professor Emerita when she retired. Azela was a master gardener and an artist of a wide array of media including sculpture, fiber art, apparel design, stained glass, acrylics, original music, and illustrated cookbooks. She enjoyed teaching creative arts to others and sharing her talents as an active member of St. Rose of Lima parish in Roseville, MN. Azela married Wallace Giese on December 24, 1975, and they made a home together in Roseville, MN. Wallace died on March 7, 1986. Azela is survived by her sisters Adeline Beltz and Avis Calkins; niece Kim LaVine (Daniel); great-nephews Joseph (Karen) and Kyler (Caitlyn); great-niece Briana (Christopher); great-grandnieces and nephews; two stepsons Roger (Mary Ann) and David (Nadia); and close friends, Julie Bass and Kathleen Matuska. Azela was preceded in death by her parents; 5 brothers; and spouse Wallace. A memorial service will be held at St. Rose of Lima in Roseville MN on March 31 at 10:00 AM, with visitation at 9:00. She will be interred at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Bagley, MN. Memorials may be made to one of the following: Azela Gohl-Giese and Wallace Giese Fund for Occupational Therapy, St. Catherine University, St. Rose of Lima Parish, Roseville, Episcopal Homes Foundation (this fund supports their life enrichment programs for residents), TPT Public Television, American Occupational Therapy Foundation. Cards may be sent to Kim LaVine, 18802 County 39, Bagley Mn. 56621.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Pioneer Press on Mar. 13, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Azela GIESE

Sponsored by St Paul Pioneer Press.

10 Entries

Marilyn (Molly) Holly O´Dea

April 6, 2023

Azela and I have been good friends for many years. We quilted together, did needlepoint, I have a beautiful wool rug I made on one of her looms, and we spent many hours together working on her gardens. She was a true treasure in the OT department, where I first met her as an OT student in the 60´s and we continued our friendship at St Rose of Lima church in Roseville. I remember taking her to the Mn State Fair and I remember her saying that after spending over 12 hours together she said she had never seen so much of the fairgrounds in her life, but she enjoyed every minute of it.
I was so sorry to have to miss her funeral on the 31 st of March but we were in Arizona at the time. I will never forget her and know that she is in charge of decorations and making costumes for a play at some church in heaven.

Connie Kishel 1967

March 29, 2023

Remembering Azela as a kind and supportive instructor of OT classes. Prayers for her family.

Yvonne Leick

March 26, 2023

Azela was an exceptional teacher, mentor, and friend. She was our OT model in the 60's.

Ann (Neubert) Timmerman '71

March 25, 2023

Azela was a kind, sensitive and inspiring part of my education at St. kates. A great Occupational Therapy Department and she was a great teacher.

Susan Wagner Rybak

March 22, 2023

Azela inspired me to work in psychiatry. She was helpful in guiding my OT passion.
Class of 1978

Beth Schimek Zabel

March 22, 2023

A powerhouse! She will be missed.

Kris (Kelble) Fry

March 21, 2023

Azela was my advisor and a great mentor in OT-class of 1971. She was always so calming and such a great listener. Among my fond memories of St. Catherine´s.

Paulette Kostick

March 21, 2023

Azela was my advisor for my Occupational therapy degree. She was an amazing woman of intellect and compassion. She will be missed. My prayers go out to all who loved her. May the Lord grant you peace of heart and mind as you grieve her earthly loss, but cling to the hope that she is now beholding the Face of God and knows only perfect love and joy for all eternity. God bless. Paulette Kostick class of 1987

Jeanne Travis

March 21, 2023

Azela was my advisor and fieldwork coordinator while I was a student at St.Kates. She was always a calming spirit and source of comfort especially during one very trying fieldwork placement. She will always hold a fond place in my heart. I am so blessed to have been part of her life if even for a short time. Jeanne Bueckers Travis, Occupational Therapy class of 1991

Margaret Williams Bracewell

March 21, 2023

My heart and prayers are with you.I was a member of the Occupational Therapy class of 1966. I have fond memories of Azela. Margy Williams Bracewell

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results