George A. Gierke, age 78, of Ashland passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2014 surrounded by loved ones.
George was born on February 22, 1936 in Bismarck, North Dakota to William and Esther (Lundin) Gierke, the youngest of seven children. He grew up in Bismarck, Broadus, and Miles City with his parents before enlisting in the Army when he was 18 years old. He proudly served the majority of his tour in Korea. Upon his return from the service, he worked for Regal Signs and Doyle Plumbing. George married the love of his life Iola Mae Hanson on February 1, 1958. They spent a few years on the Hanson Ranch before moving to Billings where he worked for a kitchen company drawing and designing kitchen plans. They moved back to Miles City in 1961, going to work for Meadow Gold Dairy. In 1962, George and Iola bought the Fritolay Franchise and started the story of their next 36 years, working together side by side, starting out in their garage and working their way into a 17,000 square foot building distributing chips, candy and tobacco products along with numerous other items all over southeastern Montana.
George enjoyed many things throughout his life including watching his children and grandchildren with anything they were involved with. He loved to dance, golf, bowl and shoot pool as well as camping, fishing, hunting, watching sports and of course being a member of the Montana Wholesale Distributors Association of which he spent a few terms as president. He was also a longtime member of the Lions Club. But most of all, George enjoyed a good story or a joke and making people smile and laugh; which he was quite good at.
George is survived by his wife of 56 years Iola Gierke; four children: Lance (Chris) and family; Jason and family, Allen (Brooke) and family and Tana Harn (Murray Brown) and family; along with thirteen grandchildren and their 10th great grandchild on the way; a brother Harold (Shirley) Gierke; two sisters: LaVern Day and Beverly (Wes) Hill and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: William “Bill” Gierke and Robert “Bud” Gierke; a sister Shirley Southworth and a great granddaughter Mackenzie Gierke.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2014 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 28, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Grace Bible Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery with full military honors provided by VFW Post 1579. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Holy Rosary Hospice or a charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday March 27, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday March 28, 2014
Grace Bible Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Friday March 28, 2014
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday March 27, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday March 28, 2014
Grace Bible Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Friday March 28, 2014
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Clark & Pam Fletcher says
Iola & Family,
Like so many others who were drawn to George by his charm, great sense of humor and positive attitude, were are deeplly saddened by his passing. We hope that your years of happiness and your many good memories will help you through this tough time. I know that George had many admiring friends and we are proud to have be on that list. We shared alot of great times together. I write this with a heavy heart.
LINDA MERCHANT & BILL CANON says
prayers to the family.what a nice,family loving man.sad to hear of his passing.he has known our family for years.He will be greatly missed in the community.
Caren Caldwell Hass says
Iola & Family You are always in my thoughts and prayers George was a wonderful husband and father. All though I was a part of this family when I was married to Lance we all still are family and hope we can always be close as family that was always important to George that his family was cared for. Take care and stay in contact I love you all
Harold & Ruth Bohlman says
Iola & Family,
We’re so sorry to hear of your loss. Our sympathy and prayers are with you.
Darlene Russell, says
Just got back in town and heard the bad news about George. Please know that you have my deepest sympathy and prayers.
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
Kimberly Meidinger Wilson says
You are in my heart and prayers Gierke family. I am so saddened as he was first on my list of special people to see this summer. I have so many fond memories of spending lots of time at the Gierke home throughout my high school years. You will always be family to me. However, George was my favorite he always had a soft spot for me and made me laugh so much. We had many funny conversations when I would run into him back home along with great hugs and always a kiss on the cheek with his last words always being, you should have been the one and only. He always called me his daughter and said he would be there if I ever needed anything. I will miss him greatly, his smile, his laughter, his strong arm around me reminding me I was special to him. We are so blessed to have had him as our father and friend. We will meet again Georgy Porgy and have a beer and laugh like we always did. God Bless to you all and prayers to get thru this trying time. Love You, Kimberly
Jim & Cecile Certain says
God bless in this time of change and sorrow. George always had a story for any occasion. His infectious laugh will be missed by all who knew him. Jim & Cecile
Wayne & Anita Wetherelt says
Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you! I dare not tell of the many, many times we did such things to each other, Motel Days & more! Have loved him since Broadus school days & more. Wayne had tried to see him in Miles City last Fri. to no avail. So very sorry for that too. More fun times we’ve had are just such good memories. Hope our thoughts & memories will help all of you thru this trying time. Love & Prayers, Anita & Wayne
Lisa and Roger Gaskill says
Iola and family, we are lifting you all up in prayer that you find peace and comfort during this difficult time. I will not be there to help you celebrate George’s life, but I will be thinking of you on Friday. I know that Roger thought so very much of George.
Mark & Donna Sindelar says
So sorry for your loss. George was such a great guy. Our thoughts & prayers go out to you during this difficult time, and may good memories help you through it.
Chris and Diana Elwood says
Iola and Family, Chris and I are sadden for your loss. George was a wonderful man and he will be missed. All of you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Whitney Smith says
Thinking of all of you during this difficult time. George was a man that could always make you smile 🙂 rest in peace George, I am sure you will be missed by many.
Danel Ferris Purvis says
Gierke family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. George will be missed, but remembered well. He always got a twinkle in his eyes while he was giving me a hard time. I will miss that twinkle. He was certainly one of the best at making me smile! May the love he gave you help carry you through this difficult time. God bless.
Virginia & Duane Strohmayer says
Iola and Family
Sorry to hear of George’s passing. Will miss seeing him at the class reunion. He always had a story for everyone. RIP George!
Duane & Virginia Strohmayer
Mark Staples says
To Iola and Family,
George was truly one-of-a-kind; a unique combination of reverence and irreverence, work and play, philosophy and slapstick, human kindness and business savvy. I can’t think of anyone I’ve ever known who got more – and gave more – joy out of life. He openly loved his family, his country, his state, and his friends, as they in turn cherished him. He was an exuberant, sly, loyal, good-hearted, FUNNY, lovable . . . rascal (in the best sense), a “character,”. . . with character.
This world will be a little less colorful, off-beat, tender and surprising without George in it, but what a legacy he leaves in the hearts he touched, the spirits he lifted . . . and the funny bones he tickled. I’ll hear in my mind that raucous, infectious laugh of his
. . . anytime I need a shot of cheer.
Blessings to you all. God now has a great, wry martini of a wit to cheer him up on difficult days.
George, thanks for being you! What a gift you were and are to so many.
Iola and family, thank you for sharing this magical man with us for so long.
Blessings,
Peace.
Mark Staples
Karen Gunther says
to Iola and family,
I do not know you Iola but my husband Ken and I know George very well and always had a good laugh when we saw him, I know what you are going through as I lost Ken just about 3 months ago. You have to live on the memories you made in your life time and I know there is a lot and just live 1 day at a time. You are in my thought and prayers. Karen Gunther
Cathy and Gary Kalmback says
Allan, Brooke, and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Cherish the memories!
gordon & nancy gould says
Sorry of your lose. Gordon was a friend of George, for many years. Gordon is not seeing to good , so he can’t come to the viewing. Again our condolences.
Wayne Jr & Serena Wetherelt says
Iola, Lance and families of George
You are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in the memories you hold in your hearts. George was a character and will be missed by many. I enjoyed our visits when I lived just a few miles away from George & Iola on Wilbur Creek Road. When one visited with George you new you would be entertained and he sure had a special way of enlightening everyone’s day. Take care and know your family is in our prayers.
Wayne Jr.
Dale and Ruth Bond says
George,s family– What a great history we had with him.Our kids still tell the grandkids about being able to go on the candy truck to pick out candy for our store in Brockway.
It was a great thrill for them.Lean on family and friends at this time.Take care Dale and Ruth Bond
B Dean Holmes says
George loved life and loved to share his experiences. What wonderful memories. Peace be with all. With smiles and respect… Mayor Dean
Deb Bartholomew says
Iola, Lance and Families,
I was sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. George always had a smile on his face when he said hello and asked how you were doing. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. George will always be a Treasure in Your Hearts and never forgotten.
Carol LaRose Schuetzle says
Iola, Jason and family so very sorry to hear of George’s passing.
George is the most funniest and greatest guy I knew an work with when I was in the Miles City Jaycees and working at the Conoco Quik Stop. Every time I called to place orders at the shop when you guy had the Distributing business, if he answer the phone, I tell him who I was he always called me Howard instead of Carol. He would just give that big laugh over the phone. He always called me Howard too when I stop by the shop. We always had a big belly laugh. Loved that about him.
George will be miss greatly and dearly. My thoughts, prayers and love are with you all.
BIG ((HUGS)))
Carol LaRose Schuetzle
Darwyn Dasenko says
I have known George since 1948 when we lived in Bismarck. We moved to Broadus as our fathers were in business together. Although I haven”t seen him since high school days I have thought of him many times over the years. I am so sorry for your lose.
Darwyn
Lynn Holom Harper says
To the Gierke Family;
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I remember George as the Frito Man. He always left little bags of Frito’s at my parent’s moving company. He was such a nice and funny man and will be truly missed. God Bless all of you.
Lynn
Bruce & Ione Cady says
So sorry to hear of the passing of George. We did business with George for many years at Cady’s Gas in Lame Deer and have many fond memories. There was always lots of stories and laughter when he was around. He will be missed by all but leaves behind many good memories. Our prayers are with you all.
Mary and Jolyn Dillon says
Our sincerest sympathy to all of the family. We did business with George for years and enjoyed him and all his workers that would come to Jimtown and sell to us . Dean and I enjoyed his sense of humor and his happy go lucky nature. Your family will be kept in prayer and we know that we will see our loved ones again. God bless you
Mary and Jolyn Dillon
GARY AND PAT HELM says
IOLA AND FAMILY SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT GEORGE. HE WAS SUCH A FUN AND HAPPY GUY. HE FOUGHT A HARD BATTLE AND NOW IS IN A BETTER PLACE. MAY GOD BE WITH IN THIS TIME OF NEED. KNOW THAT OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
Dodie Paxson says
Iola and family, I am so sorry to hear of George’s passing. When he called on us in Jordan at our Convenience Store I so enjoyed him. His wonderful sense of humor coupled with his quick wit made him extra special. He never knew a stranger and had the remarkable ability to make everyone he touched feel special. He will be sadly missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!