Wallace Arnold Gieringer Sr.

Wallace Arnold Gieringer, Sr. was born to parents Arnold and Virginia Gieringer in Bonne Terre, Missouri on November 22, 1928. His youth was mostly spent in Farmington, Missouri, living in the home his grandfather Moritz built and attending St. Joseph Catholic School, Chaminade High School in St. Louis, and then St. Louis University.

As a clerk typist at Wright Patterson Air Force Base outside of Dayton, Ohio, Wally met the love of his life, Suzanne Clare Campbell, who would soon become his wife. As an only child, Wally fell in love not only with Suzy but also her loving family of 14 children. The two wed on September 19, 1950 at Immaculate Conception Church in Dayton. Wally and Suzy would share 74 years of marriage, raising seven sons and welcoming daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

As a pilot, Wally trained, served, and flew for countless hours, first in the Air Force and then in private aviation. He was not only extremely skilled but also loved to fly, and was able to as recently as July of 2021 on a memorable day with his son Mark in a Cessna 182. Wally's service inspired sons John, Mark, and Jim to join the Air Force as well. After serving our country in Korea, Wally and Suzy raised their seven sons–Wally Jr., Dave, John, Mark, Bob, Joe, and Jim–primarily in Farmington, Missouri, and Pine Bluff, Arkansas, before retiring to Hot Springs Village. He led their sons in Boy Scouts, taught them how to hunt and fish, and provided them with fun such as a pool table, a ping pong table, a pinball machine, and even a three-wheel postal vehicle.

Wally loved providing for his family as a salesman for Missouri Natural Gas. He was so good at winning the company's sales contests that finally they asked him what he wanted the next contest's prize to be. He presented a case study for an industrial development program that would bring industry to the community, allowing the gas company to serve both the industry and new customers. He was made the director of the program and was later approached by the city of Pine Bluff to be the director of the port and the Jefferson County Industrial Foundation. With this opportunity, the Gieringers moved to Pine Bluff and learned to "call the Hogs." Wally loved his work, and he and Suzy traveled the world as he sought to attract industry to Pine Bluff. In business and in life, Wally valued integrity, attention to detail, and honesty.

Whether he was meeting with dignitaries or spearheading the family Christmas party, everything must be planned to perfection.

From his earliest days at elementary school to his peaceful death at 97, Wally's Catholic faith has been the foundation of his life. He and his wife entered the diaconate program, and he was ordained in 1986. Over the years, he has celebrated marriages, baptisms, and funerals, along with preaching at Sunday masses and serving his parishes in many ways. The Gieringers helped reinvigorate the St. Joseph spaghetti suppers in Pine Bluff. They were very active at Sacred Heart of Jesus after retiring to Hot Springs Village. Deacon Wally was a faithful and participating member of the Knights of Columbus, and he and Suzy often hosted neighborhood get-togethers to have supper and pray the patriotic rosary. Their faith was at the center of their long-lasting marriage, evident in their true commitment to each other. Through all the challenges of life, Wally and Suzy both depended on each other and on their faith.

His wife Suzy, their son David, and their granddaughter Heather welcomed Wally to heaven on February 25, 2026. He will be missed and remembered here by the rest of their family.

Donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Oldenburg Academy in Oldenburg, IN, or any charity of your choice.

A rosary at 1:30 followed by a funeral mass at 2:00 will be held on Wednesday, March 4 at Christ the King Catholic Church – 4000 N. Rodney Parham, Little Rock.