Donald Robert Giesler, a resident of Creekside in Burlington passed away at 92 years old on May 21, 2022.
Don, the youngest of six children, was born to George and Ellen Giesler in Sedro-Woolley, Washington on March 15, 1930. He graduated from Sedro-Woolley High School and has been married to his high school sweetheart, MaryLee Moon for the past 72 years. They have three children.
Don loved living in the Skagit Valley. Upon graduation he went to work for Standard Stations, Inc. in Seattle and quickly returned to the Skagit Valley working for Standard Oil stations in South Mt. Vernon. In 1965 Don purchased his own Chevron Station in downtown Burlington. He later purchased another Chevron station at Cook Road. Don retired in 1997 after 46 years of working for the Oil Company.
Don and MaryLee moved their young family into his childhood home in Sedro-Woolley and together they completely remodeled that house. They sold the Sedro Woolley home and moved to a new home in Burlington where he could be found daily in his shop working on various projects. He was very helpful if any of his family or friends needed something fixed or built around their houses.
Don loved camping. His favorite place to go was fishing on Lake Sheridan with MaryLee, their family and many close friends. He also enjoyed hunting on family property in Eastern Washington. Don and MaryLee traveled to many places, but after retirement they especially enjoyed the trips around the United States in their fifth wheel and wintering occasionally in Arizona.
Don was a Third Degree Mason, a member of the Burlington Rotary, Toastmasters, and the Elks. He enjoyed all family events and getting together with his many friends. He always had a good joke for anyone who would listen, especially the staff at Creekside who cared for him and the many friends he met along the way. He had a wonderful long life and will be missed by all of his family, especially his seven grandchildren who dearly loved their “Grandpa Choco-latte,” the special grandpa that always had a Hershey or Reese’s candy bar for them in the refrigerator in his garage.
Don is survived by his wife, MaryLee Giesler; children, Sharon (Bob) Mainard, Burlington; Doreen (Luigi) Gallino, Samish Island; Bob (Sally) Giesler, Port Townsend; grandchildren, Scott Moore; Gina (Jim) Bring; Mandy (Alex) Englund; Rob, (Nikki) Mainard; Anna (Colin) Jones; Adam (Margaret) Giesler; Alyssa Giesler; 12 great grandchildren; brother-in-law, Gary Moon; many nieces and nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ellen Giesler; brothers, Bill Giesler, Jim Giesler, Chuck Giesler; sisters, Mildred Moore, Ann Giesler, Mary Constance; in-laws, George and Lucille Moon; son-in-law, Rick Moore.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Pforte for his kindness and dedicated care of Don. Also, to the warmhearted staff at Creekside in Burlington and all the Hospice employees who were compassionate, helpful and caring during Don’s final days.
There will be a family Graveside service at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery. A Celebration of life for Don will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Lemley Chapel. If so inclined, memorials may be given to Hospice of the Northwest, 227 Freeway Drive, Suite A, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. Share your memories of Don and sign the online guest register.
I miss you Grandpa, I will always cherish our weekend drives in the yellow truck. You taught me plenty and always made me smile and laugh. Love you
I met Don and Matt Lee through my work at Creekside continuing Care. His sense of humor, love for people and his love for his wife were just a few of the many reasons I love Don. I got to know his daughter Sharon and was impressed with the way she and her mom cared for Don. Part of my job at Creekside involved being the last chapter of many people’s lives. Out of all of those losses, losing Don is one of the hardest personally. Take good care Mary Lee and family. You are loved.
Visiting the Giesler house was always a highlight of my childhood. Playing pool and darts in the basement. Playing Jezzball and SkiFree on the old computer. Enjoying Christmas in the sun room. Don offering ‘jingle money’ (quarters) and being ‘Grandpa Choco-late’ to my cousins. It was always a good time at the place on Lea Garden. Thank you, Don. Godspeed.
Sharon, Doreen, Bob and all your families, Your family hurts, our family hurts.
Life gives us our joys and our sorrows. I am happy to have shared in the joy Don
brought to us all and now we share the sorrow. Wishing you all peace in your days ahead . You are part of a fabulous family.
Love you Don and Marilee always and all my memories of our families always together growing up. Priceless. Margee, Bruce And Tony too !
Oh this man was a lot of fun. I remember lots of parties and dancing. They are probably the ones that taught me how to throw a good one. We camped with them many times throughout my childhood, he and Marylee are like family to me. He will be missed by all.
RIP Don
Love you
I will miss you grandpa. I love you very much! Mandy