Bill Gies

1932 - 2022

June 24, 1932 - September 13, 2022
Husband, Father, Builder-Developer, Philanthropist

With great sadness we announce that William "Bill" Joseph Gies died peacefully at St. Mary's Hospital on September 13th, in his 91st year. Devoted husband of 68 years to Gertrude (Quehl), both from St. Clements. He was a cherished husband, father, poppa/grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, godfather and friend. Bill and Gert were engaged February 14, 1954, and married July 24, 1955. Following their wedding they relocated to Waterloo where they started building homes while raising their family. Son of the late Frank Gies and Irene (Haffner). Loving father to Bev, Jim (Adrianne), Brenda Langenecker and Christine (John) Lowater. Proud Poppa/grandfather to Lindsey, Lora and Tyla Langenecker, Brooke and Alexis (Danny) Lowater, Reagan and Avery Gies. Special Poppa to his great-grandson Felix William. Beloved brother to Eileen Quehl, Ken (Terry) Gies, Frank (Marilyn) Gies and in-laws John Logozny and Debby Gies. Predeceased by sisters Helen (Clair) Esbaugh, Gertrude (Gerald) Zettel, Grace (Wilfred) Zinger, Marie (George) Korway, Florence Logozny, June (Al) Cowan and brother George Gies. Predeceased by in-laws Ednamae Gies, Bill Quehl, Don (MaryAnne) Quehl, Kaye (Bob) Koebel, Marjorie (Jerry) Lorentz. He had a love of building and land development in Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph, Wellesley and Milverton. Bill had many achievements including being President (several times) for the K-W Builder Association. He enjoyed working with all members of the community. He loved his 50 years of cottage life, being a sportsman, teaching life lessons to his grandkids and playing cards and poker with friends. He lived an exceptional life and was known for his jokes. He enjoyed woodworking creating holiday snowmen and handing out pens with a smile on his face. He travelled the world with Gert by his side, but especially enjoyed time with all the friends he made at LaCabana in Aruba; a special place he visited yearly. Later in life, one of his greatest joys was giving back to the communities he helped build. He donated generously to The Gies Family Hospice, Wellesley Recreation Centre and the Perc Park Pavilion in Milverton. Bill and Gert have also made donations to St. Mary's Hospital, St. Agnes Church, the House of Friendship Soup Kitchen and other worthy causes. The family would like to acknowledge Dr. Mario Valdes and Nurse Jen, Dr. Dushyant Desai and Nurse Muriel, Dr. Richard Upenieks, Dr. Janet Zettel and the Nurses at St. Mary's Hospital and Grand River Cancer Care Centre, with great appreciation and gratitude. Special thanks to Alice Dupuis for her exceptional assistance and support. The office lights have dimmed, the smell of Tim's coffee remains in the air and Willie's Roadhouse is playing in the background. Bill has finally retired! He enjoyed meeting everyone that crossed his path...except his internet provider... Hold On! Just received an email from above, Bill is trying to find the cloud where his files are stored so he can continue working. Bill's family will receive relatives and friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, September 18, 2022 at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, 519-749-8467. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, September 19, 2022 at St. Agnes RC Church, 75 Bluevale Street North, Waterloo. Interment at Parkview Cemetery. Reception to follow in the church hall.

For those unable to attend, Bill's service may be viewed via livestream at https://www.henrywalser.com/live-streaming

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Hospice Waterloo Region - Gies Family Centre or Charity of Your Choice would be appreciated.

Visit www.henrywalser.com for Bill's memorial.