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Etzweiler Funeral Home

1111 East Market Street

York, Pennsylvania

Peter VanGiesen Obituary

WELLSVILLE Peter Charles "Pete" VanGiesen paddled his last river this weekend before passing away at his home in Wellsville on Sunday, June 12, 2011. He was the beloved son of Dr. Peter and Linda (Dietz) VanGiesen of York. A great lover of the outdoors, he died unexpectedly of a heart attack at the young age of 35. Pete was born on June 22, 1975, in Buffalo, N.Y. He was a graduate of York Country Day School and Hobart and William Smith Colleges. His love for adventure began with his experience in the Boy Scouts, where he achieved Eagle Scout. This same love later took him to Colorado. After five years, he returned home to Pennsylvania to pursue a career in information technology, working at Lobar, Inc. He maintained his love of adventure sports by working at Uller's Ski and Board Shop and training beginning and novice kayakers through the Conewago Canoe Club. Pete was at his best and most fulfilled paddling rivers, skiing the snowy mountains, biking the trails, and surfing the waves with his close friends, pushing them to the limit at every outing. In addition to his parents, Pete leaves behind a grandmother, Virginia N. Dietz of York; and sister and brother-in-law, Karen N. VanGiesen and Jeff Barnett, of Reston, Va. He also leaves behind a niece, Madyn Barnett, and nephew, Colin Barnett, who adored and admired him. A true gentleman, he had numerous friends who treasured their time with him and will miss him deeply. Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 16, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at the Etzweiler Funeral Home, 1111 E. Market St., York, with the Rev. Dr. John E. Morgan, of First Presbyterian Church of York, officiating. Burial will be in Mount Zion Cemetery. Viewings will be Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., both at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Codorus Creek Watershed Association (CCWA), P.O. Box 2881, York, PA 17405; or Conewago Canoe Club Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 3365, York, PA 17402. www.etzweiler.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by York Daily Record on Jun. 15, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter VanGiesen

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Jean & Tom Harhai

July 10, 2011

Peter has come to mind so often on our vacation our west. It's easy to understand his love of nature.

Jean Harhai

June 24, 2011

You were in my thoughts and prayers yesterday, on what would have been Pete's 36th birhtday. I can still picture that beautiful, inquisitive, little boy with big blue eyes and white blond hair, thumb firmly planted in his mouth. From everything everyone wrote about Peter, he was much loved and there will be a hole left in many hearts. God Bless you today and in the coming weeks.

Laurann Wood @ Family

June 23, 2011

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Nancy Anderson

June 21, 2011

Dear Peter, Linda & Family,
In Ecclesiastes:3 says “there is a time to be born and a time to die.” The Lord really must have needed Peter for a very special reason to have taken him so young. If Peter was anything like you, Doc, he must have been one heck of a son, brother and friend. Hold on to the wonderful memories until you met him again. God be with you and your family. My heart felt condolences and prayers to all who loved Peter.

June 21, 2011

Dear Dr. and Mrs. VanGiesen,
We are so sorry for your loss. We fondly remember the times we spent with your family at York Youth soccer games when Peter played on the same team as our son, Chris. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Rod and Kathy Holtzapple and family.

Allee Romano Gray

June 18, 2011

Mr. and Mrs. VanGiesen, mom and dad told me about Pete this week. I am so sorry for your loss and have been thinking of you and him all week. What great memories we have had with all of you and those memories will forever be cherished in our hearts. We send loving and healing prayers from Maine straight to you.

Don & Dorothea Smith

June 18, 2011

Dear Peter, Linda and Karen,

It was with profound sorrow and deep sadness that we learned of Pete's untimely death out here in Arizona. He was an outstanding young man and as you know, one of our son Ben's best friends. In remembering Pete I recall the great times we all had together cheering on our sons' (and brother's) hockey team. They have brought us all great joy. We are truly sorry for your loss. God Bless You.

Amy Urich

June 17, 2011

Love and prayers to the VanGiesen family. Pete was known and loved by so many; he was truly a kind soul, generous, smart, funny. I met him at his best, on the river. He is gone much too soon from this world; my heart goes out to his family and friends.

Jennifer Schroeder

June 17, 2011

VanGiesen Family,

My heart aches for your untimely loss. I will always remember Pete's beaming smile that never seemed to fade from his beautiful face. He is very much loved, he will be immensely missed, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all those who were fortunate to have known him.

Much love and my deepest condolences,
Jennifer Smith Schroeder (Ben's sister)

Gail Johnson

June 16, 2011

Dr. VanGiesen and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts & prayers.

Dave Bozzuto

June 16, 2011

When I heard of Pete's passing I was stunned. I have not seen him since 1996 at HWS and still remember him out fishing me on Lake Seneca. My heart goes out to his loved ones. Be well Pete, next fish I catch I will release in your name. In the Bond.

Brittany Munchel

June 16, 2011

VanGiesen Family,
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through. Remember today you are in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers.

Buffie Lehman

June 16, 2011

To the VanGiesen Family,
I was so blessed to have had Pete in my life even if it was for such a very short time. He was funny, kind, smart. He made such an impression on my in such a very short time and I was looking forward to spending more time with him. I know the pain I am feeling over his loss...I cant even comprehend how your hearts must be aching. You are in my prayers.

lauren koontz

June 16, 2011

this morning when i saw you pete, my heart broke down in tears to think that if someone were with you maybe things
would have been different.
You always had me over and looked forward to cooking me a "feast". I wish I could have been there to help you!!
you will always have a special place in my heart and i thank you for teaching me how to mountain bike last summer. my birthday is monday and as you know we always wished each other a happy birthday! you were a great cuddler watching movies and laughing over a glass of "vino". always a sweetheart and true gentleman. your laugh made me laugh. you held your family very close to your heart. you loved my dog kirby and he made you giggle... i'm going to miss catching up on things as we just did on may 19th.. i'm going to miss you! you were an awesome human being :-))

Linda Hall

June 16, 2011

Pete was a lover of life and gave selflessly. He volunteered to teach with the Conewago Canoe Club and the York Area Sportsmen for Youth Field Days. He had a generous heart and always made time to help others. Our heart goes out to the VanGiesen family. Pete was loved and will be missed. Linda and Brad Hall

Sonia & Mike Reisinger

June 16, 2011

Linda and Peter

James Gundlach

June 16, 2011

To the family, we didn't know him, but knew his father and mother. Our deepest sympathys for your family and friends!!!!!

The Gundlach's
Jim, Pam Makayla and Alex

John Sullivan

June 16, 2011

Pete has energy that is rare: honest, positive, generous, and strong. My sincerest sympathy to all family and friends of this wonderful man. His passing is a great loss, and his life is a great gift for those of us lucky enough to be a part of his adventures. Rest in peace, Brother Pete! Much love.

Julie Khan

June 16, 2011

Peter, Linda and Karen:
My thoughts are with you all during this tragic time. Pete was an amazing person, and such a great friend to Jason. He will be missed by many. Thinking of you.

June 16, 2011

To the Van Giesens: Peter, I remember you so well from my days at York Hospital, and was so very sad to learn of your son's death.

Dave Jones

June 16, 2011

To the Van Giesens: Peter, I remember you so well from my days at York Hospital, and was so very sad to learn of your son's death.

Fran & Jerry Barbour

June 16, 2011

To Doc and Linda,
Our prayers are with you during this time of great loss. Please accept our most sincere sympathy. God Bless You.

Christine Reptsik

June 16, 2011

Pete was such an amazing guy! His smile and presence will be greatly missed, but I know he will live on in our memories forever.

Karen Moyer

June 16, 2011

To the VanGiesen Family,
Know that you are embraced in prayer.
May the love and support of your friends and family comfort you.

Bonni Copes

June 16, 2011

I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your son Peter .
I know our God will give you strength as you begin this journey of grief that I began 7 yrs. ago when I lost my son Paul . You were so kind to me then even if I was a mess . My heart breaks for you now Dr. V . Please know that you and Peter's mother , sister and family are in my prayers .
Bless you with comfort and assurance you have God's promise of being together again .
Sincerely , Bonni Copes

Brenda Gross

June 15, 2011

My heart goes out to the Dietz and VanGiesen family. My condolences and sympathy to you all.

Larry & Joy Spangler

June 15, 2011

To the VanGiesen Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Don Zielke

June 15, 2011

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Joseph Manzella

June 15, 2011

Pete, may God rest your soul. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss....the Manzella's thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Chris Gross

June 15, 2011

I'm so sorry for your loss. I remember coming over to the farm from my grandmas looking for him & Greg.

Kevin Harris

June 15, 2011

Sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers.

John Baltzer

June 15, 2011

I am so very sorry for you loss. Our loss. Pete was a wonderful man. I loved to watch him play the river. Aggresive, unreleting, smiling. With others attentive and caring. Our world is diminished.

Emily Butera

June 15, 2011

My favorite memory of Peter was the recess at YCDS when Mrs. Conte made him stay in the classroom with me and teach me not to be afraid of our pet chameleons. Peter looked totally thrilled to have chameleons crawling all over him. I was completely terrified. But he was clearly a good teacher because I got over my fear. It seems this was a trait he carried with him in life. My deepest sympathies and condolences to your entire family.

Pennie Sterner

June 15, 2011

Dear Pete and Linda, Words cannot express my profound sorrow. My heart breaks for you. Please accept my deepest sympathy and prayers for your comfort and peace. Love, Pennie Sterner

Josh Johnson

June 15, 2011

I knew Pete since I first started boating he taught me and my family so much about the sport he loved I know that I would have not made it this far in my paddling career if it was not for him Pete was always there to lend a hand and give advice and he made every trip a wonderfull experience and brighten even the darkest of days he will be greatly missed And no river will be the same with out you

Cathy Gill

June 15, 2011

Pete was a coaches dream player. He loved competing and was a positive influence on his teammates on the tennis team. I will always remember the long trips in the van. Pete's passing is a loss to his family, his community and all who knew and cared about him.

Theresa

June 15, 2011

I'm so sorry for your loss

john manzella

June 15, 2011

A fine young man and Eagle Scout;great memories from Philmont 1991. Heartfelt condolences from the entire Manzella family.

John & Erma Oyler

June 15, 2011

My deepest sympathy to the family of the Vangiesens.My heart goes out to Dr.Vangiesen and his loveing family.

Judy Wolfman

June 15, 2011

I wish I had known Peter, but knowing his parents as I do I'm sure he was a great person. Not knowing him is my loss!

Adam Jenkins

June 15, 2011

I was really sad to hear the news of Pete's passing. I have a lot of great memories of Pete from our days together at the lunch table at YCDS. Sincerest condolences and sympathy to the family.

Renee Doig

June 15, 2011

Peter was not only a co-worker, but a friend. He will be truly missed here at Lobar. My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.

June 15, 2011

each day is a blessing, one never knows. take care! diane keeney

susan rebert

June 15, 2011

GONE TOO SOON!

With Love and prayers, Stan and Susan Rebert

Angela Heller

June 15, 2011

His smiling way and pleasant face are a pleasure to recall
He had a kindly word for each; And died beloved by all.

I'll remember you forever, each and every day
Time and space and years will pass yet your memory will always stay… AMLF

Jeff Slenker

June 15, 2011

I was in the scouts with Pete. He and his father were an integral part of me achieving my Eagle Scout Award. I remember Pete with a constant smile on his face and an unrelenting interest to learn, experience and achieve more. I am proud to have learned that he lived the rest of his life with that same vigor. My deepest condolences go out to Dr. Vangiesen, his family and friends. May God bless you and keep you, Pete.

June 15, 2011

My deepest sympathy to the family. Although I've not seen Pete in years, I just wanted to send my condolences. The boys (Peter and Michael) played ice hockey together, and they were fun years for the boys and the parents. It sounds like he lived his short life to the fullest and the way he wanted which is good to hear. Mary (Villarose) Gladfelter

June 15, 2011

it's been years since i have seen you...it's been weeks since i last spoke of you...it will be forever that i remember you.

Linda Bailey

June 15, 2011

I didn't know Pete personally, but I knew his mother, sister & brother, and grandparents thru my Draucker side of the family. I remember when his mom and dad met thru my Aunt Marion. My sympathies to his parents & siblings, and DeeDee. God Bless his short and wonderful life.
Linda Draucker Bailey

Jean Harhai

June 15, 2011

Trying to wrap my brain around this tragic loss. My heart and prayers go out to Linda, Peter, Karen, Virginia, all his aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. I can still picture Peter as a sweet little boy, filled with joy and a zest for life.

Nick Fitzkee

June 15, 2011

Linda and Peter,

One of my earliest memories of Pete was when he let me play King's Quest IV on his computer, nearly 25 years ago. I really admired Pete, and in my eight-year-old mind, I remember thinking it would be cool to be just like him when I grew up. I have many great memories of spending time with your family when I was young, and although I haven't kept in touch, I am still very sad to hear of Pete's passing. I will be mourning with you and praying for you in the coming weeks.

Jeannine Dabb

June 15, 2011

Rest in peace Pete. My prayers are with you and your family.

Shirley Fishel

June 15, 2011

Pete became a Team Member from his first day at Lobar, Inc. He was there to help everyone who asked. He was a kind and caring individual. His smile lightened up our office as he smiled often. He was not only a co-worker but a friend to all. He will be missed by us all!

David Myers

June 15, 2011

Pete will be deeply missed here at Lobar Inc as Pete's immediate boss i can truely say that he was a very special and unique person. His always cheerfull attidute always brought a smile to someone no matter how tough it got.

robert ollendorff

June 15, 2011

i cannot express fully my sorrow for pete's passing. the two years i lived with pete were filled with adventure, fun, growth, respect and love. without a doubt one of my best friends of all time. pete, i am so happy for all our adventures and memories. i will always miss you and love you.

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