Donald J. Giesen

Don was born Aug. 22, 1934, in Vulcan, son of the late Harry and Ann (Zanon) Giesen. He graduated from Vulcan High School in 1952, Northern Michigan University in 1956, the Alexian Brothers School of Nursing in 1959, and Washington University St. Louis in 1964 with a master’s degree in hospital administration.

He served in the Army Nurse Corps and returned to the area in 1970. A year later he began his career at the Iron Mountain VA Medical Center; he retired in 1994. Ordained a deacon in the Catholic Church in 1987, he was clerically removed by Most Rev. James Garland, Bishop of Marquette, following the publication of his first novel, Settlement, which deals with sex abuse in the Catholic Church.

His second novel, The Mushrooms of Autumn, published under the pen name of Don Gardner, is a delightful romp through the dark side to show the redemption of God.

Don is survived by his good friend, Russ Kwarciany; a brother, LeRoy (Kaye) Giesen; and a sister, Elizabeth “Penny” (Charles) O’Donnell.

He is preceded in death by two sisters, Harriet Payne and Elaine (George) Williams; and a brother, Gordon Giesen.

Private graveside services will be held at Norway Township Cemetery at a later date.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Donald J.Giesen online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.