Ronald Alan Gieseke

URBANA – Ronald Alan Gieseke, 71 of Urbana, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 in his home surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Ron was born on March 4, 1954 in Waseca, Minnesota, to the late Louis and Florence (Gostomczik) Gieseke.

He followed his passion for farming and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from Iowa State University after which he devoted himself to a fulfilling career.

Ron was a man of many talents and interests. A true outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and riding his Harley with his wife, family, and friends. He loved all animals and throughout his life, raised pigeons, sheep, dogs, and cared for all creatures great and small. Gardening was another of his passions and he had a true green thumb.

As an Iowa Hawkeye and Iowa State Cyclone fan, Ron was an enthusiastic supporter of his teams, and his love for sports extended to wrestling and football. He was a fixture at his grandchildren's sporting events, always their biggest fan. He also enjoyed the challenge of golfing and the creative outlet of drawing, poetry, photography, and playing his harmonica. A true "jack of all trades," Ron was known for his ability to fix cars and woodworking projects, constantly finding satisfaction in working with his hands.

Ron was also a dedicated and active member of the Urbana Christian Fellowship. His love for the truth and his faith was evident in the long hours he spent reading his Bible and lived according to his convictions. Known for his generous spirit, he had an innate ability to connect with others and never knew a stranger, always extending kindness and friendship to everyone he met.

A collector of things, Ron cherished the stories behind the objects he gathered, always eager to share his interests with others. His hardworking nature and willingness to help others were cornerstones of his character, earning him genuine connections with everyone who knew him. Ron's life was a testament to his unwavering faith, and love for his family, church, and his community.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, Debra Lee Gieseke; daughters, Sarah Elizabeth (John) Mitchell, Anna Joy (Stefan) Christison, Abbelee Mary Gieseke, Alexandria Lou (Ronald) Janz, Alivia Beth (Timothy Jr.) Bradshaw, Shonda Grace (Benjamin) Rube, Ashleigh Linda (Paul) Dokken, Sage Michelle (Henrick) Rube; sons, Amos Alan (Holly) Gieseke, Seth Louis (Rachel) Gieseke, Silas Walter (Alyssa-Rene Soldavini) Gieseke, Samuel Ron (Emilee) Gieseke; grandchildren, Anika, Malachi, Elijah, Miles, Jaron, Griffin, Carter, Audrey, Lukas, Oscar, Truli, Emmarie, Louis, Maren, Ezra, Arlo, Nova, Finley, Judah, Rohn, Abry, Ailey, Ayla, Natalie, Abigail, Kaya, Tristen, Milo, Elias, Fern; brothers, Jeff (Sylvia) Gieseke, Jim (Ginny) Gieseke, Randy Gieseke, Jerry (Susie) Gieseke; sister-in-law, Susan Gieseke; 22 nieces and nephews.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Walter and Peggy Rummans; and brother, Richard "Rick" Gieseke.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 11 a.m.– 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 23, 2025 in the Urbana Christian Fellowship, Urbana, Ohio.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 25, 2025 in the church with Barry Couts officiating.

Burial will follow in Mt. Tabor Cemetery, West Liberty, Ohio.

Memorial contributions may be made to Urbana Christian Fellowship, 1778 W. State Rt. 29. Urbana, Ohio 43078.

Services are entrusted to VERNON FUNERAL HOME, Urbana, Ohio.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com.