Henry Peter "Hank" Gietzen

Henry "Hank" Peter Gietzen departed this world on Thursday, September 7, 2017. He was a resident of Davis, Calif., for the last 30 years, having moved from Roseville, Calif., where he had resided for 29 years. Hank was born in Sacramento, Calif., on June 25, 1931, and was raised in Auburn, Calif.
Hank was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, having served in the Navy. He graduated from San Jose State University with a bachelor's degree and worked in computing from its infancy, starting as a programmer in 1958, and moving to management with the state of California for the majority of his career.
Hank's major focus with the state was the establishment of networks in support of law enforcement, where he was instrumental in designing the current systems that all law enforcement in the state use today. He was very proud of the work he did, often relating many stories of the people he met and decisions made.
Hank served on the board of directors for Roseville Hospital when it was publicly owned.
He loved sports, not just watching, but participating. He was an avid skier, having skied competitively in high school and college. He enjoyed tennis, water skiing, and golf as well.
Hank and his wife, Dorothy loved opera and travel. They saw most of the world together, traveling many times with family and friends, as well as accompanying Dorothy on her working trips after he retired.
He is survived by his spouse of 64 years, Dorothy W. Gietzen three of their five children: Keith, Christopher, and Cindy. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Smith Funeral Home, 116 D St. Davis, Calif.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.