Richard "Dick" C. Giesen

Richard C. Giesen, 77, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, March 6, 2021. Born on December 4, 1943 in Sioux City, Iowa, the son of Charles and Josephine (Covell) Giesen. He loved growing up on the farm and appreciated the hard work that it involved. He graduated from Heelan High School in Sioux City in 1962 and from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa in 1966. He served as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps from 1966 to 1970. He was an artillery officer in Viet Nam as a forward observer and battalion fire support coordinator. Following his military service, he began his working career in Minneapolis, MN with Honeywell and Skelly Oil Company. He then moved to Rockford and worked for Rockford Products until 1983 when he then established his own business in human resource consulting and the temporary help business. He grew the business to ten offices in Illinois and Nebraska. He “partially” retired in the year 2010. He loved his work and remained involved until he finally gave up to full retirement in 2021. During his career, he volunteered his time by serving on community boards including Orton Keys Day Care Center, Goodwill industries, Rockvale Children’s Home and Rockford Area Personnel Association. He married his loving wife Elizabeth in 2004 and they spent many happy years together in their river home in Rockford and their winter condo in Florida. They also enjoyed many happy years together traveling through all 50 of the United States, the Caribbean, Canada and Europe. His favorite pastimes included boating on the Rock River, flying his Cessna 172, and golfing with his favorite partner, Elizabeth. He will be missed greatly by his family and friends.
Dick was predeceased by his parents. Survivors include his wife Elizabeth; son Jeff (Erica) Giesen of Highlands Ranch, CO; daughter Amy (Jeff) Butt of Rockton, IL; stepson Michael DuPre of Rockford, IL; his wonderful grandchildren Heather, Nicole, Brandon, Sydney, Melissa and Tim. Survivors also include sisters Joann Rothman and Martha Kelly both of Sioux City, IA, Charlene Willenbring of Jackson, MO and many nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will take place at Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N Church Street, Rockford, Illinois on Friday, March 12, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Due to Covid restrictions, funeral attendance will be limited to close friends and family of Dick and Betty. Burial to follow at St. Mary and St. James Catholic Cemetery. A visitation will take place the day before, Thursday, March 11, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. until Rosary at 6:30 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 1860 S. Mulford road, Rockford, Illinois. Masks and social distancing will be required for both visitation and Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Loras College, 1450 Alta Vista St, Dubuque, IA 52001. To send online condolences, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com