Selma R. Gienger

Selma Gienger Obituary

Selma Ruth (Koehn) Gienger went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 18, 2008, at the age of 92. She died at her home, surrounded by her family. Selma was born May 22, 1916 to Rev. Ferd and Helina Koehn in Taloga, Oklahoma. She was 7th of 8 children. Selma started her education in a one room County School. In the winter of 1924 she moved to the panhandle of Texas near the town of Perryton. Here she continued her education, graduating from high school in 1933. Selma's parents took her to church at a very early age. At age 12 she accepted the Lord as her personal Savior and joined the Bethel Mennonite Church, where her father was the pastor. The years thru the Depression were hard, as well as the year of continued dust storms. There was not much money for entertainment, but many hours were spent singing gospel songs around the piano on Sunday afternoons and many evenings as well. Selma sang with her sisters in quartets and later in trios for many occasions. In August of 1940, the family moved to Washington State to the Whitehorn area near Blaine. They attended Whitehorn Mennonite Brethren Church were she met her husband to be, Albert Gienger. Later, her family moved to a small farm on Burke Rd. On November 18, 1942 Al and Selma were married by her father at her parents' home. Their first home was a dairy farm in the Wiser Lake area. After the couple moved to a farm on the Blaine Rd., Selma ran the farm in the summer while Albert was working in Alaska. She had many hobbies she enjoyed, including quilting, knitting, and reading her bible, which she had read many times. Her children and grandchildren received some of her hand quilted quilts and knitted afghans. In recent years Selma spent many hours making comforters for the Salvation Army to distribute for the homeless. Selma was preceded in death by all of her siblings; and her son, Clayton Gary Gienger. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Albert; her daughter, Patricia (Paul) Berg and son Loren (Adele) Gienger; daughter in law, Peggy (Karl) Ershinger; 8 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. The family would like to give special thanks to Whatcom Hospice and Visiting Angels, especially Angelina and Dawn for helping us take great care of Selma. Memorials may be made to Birch Bay Community Church, 7039 Jackson Rd, Blaine, WA 98230; or Whatcom Hospice, 800 E. Chestnut, Suite 1-C, Bellingham, WA 98225. Visitation is scheduled from 12:00-3:00 PM on Wednesday, October 22nd in the Moles-Greenacres Funeral Home chapel. A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 24th at 9:30 AM at Greenacres Memorial Park, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM at Birch Bay Bible Community Church.

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Published by Bellingham Herald on Oct. 21, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Selma Gienger

7 Entries

Ken & Merletta Hawkinson

October 22, 2008

Uncle Al, Loren, Patty, and all the family.

My first memories of Uncle Al and Aunt Selma's place was romping around in the basement with all the kids. It must have been on a Sunday afternoon, because it took a long time to get there in those days. Ginny played with Patty, Ed & Larry with Clayton, Loren and I. Was I 4 or 5? It was a real special treat to visit someone I could play with. Most of our Aunts and Uncles only had "girls"! There was either a big mattress down there or we had roller skates and hockey sticks. All those shelves of fruit jars neatly stored for the coming year. We must of broken one or two, because I'm pretty sure someone got yelled at. It may have been Thanksgiving or someones birthday party.

May your rich memories of times together, your love for God our Father, His strength and faithfulness, keep and sustain you all. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Myrna Zielke

October 21, 2008

My SPECIAL Uncle Al, Cousins Patti and Loren,
Selma is going to be SO missed, we also know she had a wonderful life here on earth, she was so very special to me. I could write a book on the many trips to Washington to visit for so many years. Then the wonderful hospitality and the best food ever was enjoyed by John and myself just three years ago on our visit there. The extra special time we had when Al and Selma came here to Missouri to visit us two years ago, such a memorable time. She will be so missed, but we know she is now without pain, we are looking forward to being with her someday soon. My wonderful Father, her brother, has to be rejoicing right now.

So sorry we are unable to be there, although our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. A special THANK YOU, Lisa, for keeping us informed.
Myrna & John Zielke

Larry and Barb Koehn

October 21, 2008

Dear Uncle Al, Patty and Loren,

We are saddened by the loss of Aunt Selma. She will be greatly missed. She has been such a kind and warm person to us over the years. It has always been such a highlight in my life each time I was able to travel to Washington since my childhood to spend time enjoying her wonderful hospitality. !Wow! What a tremendous German Mennonite cook. Barb and I count it such a blessing to have spent some time with her just a year ago while on our missionary furlough. Although Aunt Selma was experimenting some major health issues at that time, she insisted on doing what she always did so well; denying herself in order to make us feel so special. I have thought so many times since Barb and I left last September about what She said to us before driving away. She said, "this is probably the last time we'll see each other this side of Heaven." That made it very difficult for us as we waved goodby that day. But praise God, we will be reunited again, only that time it will be without sickness and other frailties of this life. Thanks be to God our Father for Salvation in Christ and for the promise of spending eternity together with our loved ones with HIM. Selma, we'll see you later on.

"Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."
I Corinthians 15.

God gives great comfort and reassurance to us who are left behind for now. So uncle Al, Patty and Loren, stay strong for each other, resting always in the promises and loving arms of our Lord.

You are in our prayers,
Larry and Barbara Koehn
Santiago, Chile

Larry & Barbara Koehn

October 21, 2008

A big family reunion is now taking place in Heaven with the whole family there. We will miss her so much, she was so special to us and a blessing beyond words. We love you all.

branden Millsap

October 21, 2008

To the all the family members of Gigi. She will be missed by many. I remember when the first time I met her, she treated me like I was already part of the family. I will never forget her and all the good food she always made during the holidays. She will be missed so much. I wish I could be there with u all but I know she will be watching over me while I'm in Iraq. Sorry for the loss of such a special person. Love u all and see you when I return.

Mandy Gagnon

October 21, 2008

Loren, Adele & family: May God comfort you today in your loss!

Butch and Frieda Koehn

October 21, 2008

Al / Patti / Loren,

Selma had a special place in my heart. I will always remember when we moved to Washington from Perryton and we stayed with you for a time. Selma never complained, but was gracious and helpful. She will be missed, but that will only be temporary. We will all see her again. Butch

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