Kenneth A. Giespert

Kenneth A. Giespert

June 10, 1922 - April 23, 2013

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Kenneth A. Giespert, age 90, passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2013, at Hillcrest Nursing Home.

On June 10, 1922, he was born at St. Ann, Nebraska, to Anton John and Jennie Margaret (Ryan) Giespert. Kenneth attended District 39 North of Indianola through the 8th grade and then graduated from Indianola High School in 1942. He also he attended McCook Community College, graduating in 1948.

Kenneth enlisted in the United States Army on January 21, 1943, at Fort Logan, Colorado. He was assigned to Schick General Hospital in Clinton, Iowa and then deployed to the European Theater as a medical technician during World War II. He was honorably discharged on March 19, 1946. He was then recalled during the Korean Conflict to serve at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Aurora, Colorado from Nov. 28, 1950 to Aug. 18, 1951, as well as the Cuban Crisis Oct 11, 1961, to July 31, 1962. Kenneth retired from the Army Reserves as a SFCE-7 June 10, 1982.

He married Dorothy E. Clack on Feb. 5, 1948, in McCook, Nebraska. To this union four children were born; Cecilia, Christina, Gregory and Cathleen. She passed away on Feb. 18, 1993. On March 14, 1994, he married Geraldine Fay (Tumbleson) Bahl at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in McCook.

Kenneth began working in 1949 for the CB&Q railroad and following a 33-year career, retired with Amtrak in 1982.

He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, American Legion Post 203, VFW Post 1652, DAV Chapter 13, 40 and 8. Kenneth was very interested in genealogy and was a member of several genealogy and historical societies.

Survivors include his children, Ceilia Brown and husband, Darrell of McCook, Christina Marts and husband, Robert of Bartley, Gregory Giespert of Hastings, Cathleen and Daniel Bell of Lakewood, Colorado; step-sons, John Bahl of McCook, Dan Bahl and wife, Jane of Indianola, Tom Bahl and wife, Midge of Dallas, Texas, Tim Bahl and wife, Laurie of Gering, Phil Bahl and wife, Pat of Omaha and Roch Bahl and wife, Vickie of Lincoln; also surviving are five grandchildren, 15 step-grandchildren, six great grandchildren, 17 step-grandchildren, and many extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Jennie; wives, Dorothy and Geraldine; two step-sisters, Julia Ruppert and Pauline Ervin, and one step-brother, Leo Cable.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 26, 2013, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Carpenter-Breland Funeral Home in McCook. Rosary will be held following visitation at 7 p.m. at Carpenter-Breland Funeral Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, April 27, 2013, 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with Father Gary Brethour officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Calvary Cemetery in McCook, Nebraska.

Memorials are suggested to the donor's choice.

Friends may send condolences online at www.carpenterbreland.com.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.