Russell D. Giesy

Russell D. Giesy, 90, passed away Oct. 16.

Russell was born on Dec. 12, 1921, in Corvallis to Rusper and Edna Giesy. He graduated from Corvallis High School and continued his education at the University of Montana in Missoula graduating in 1948. Russ earned his master’s degree from the University of Montana in 1953.

On Feb. 9, 1944, Russ married Ruth Horn of Windham at Fort Meyers, Fla., just before he was shipped to the South Pacific as a fighter pilot in the Air Force.

In 1942 he became a member of the illustrious fraternity known then as the Army Air Corps. While flying a P-47 in support of the infantry in Luzon, his plane was hit and disabled by ground fire and he was forced to evacuate. Much to his dismay, his parachute carried him well behind the Japanese lines into a rear-area bivouac. Fortunately, it was nearly dark, and after some rather breathtaking evasions and some hand-to-hand combat with a couple of Japanese infantrymen, he made it back behind friendly lines. Among his awards were the Air Medal, Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Russ began his teaching career in Hysham from 1948-1950. In 1951 he and Ruth moved to Whitefish where he began his teaching and coaching career. He distinguished himself as head coach of both the football team and the track team. In his early years of coaching, Whitefish High School won two Class B divisional football championships as well as two Class B state championships. In 1959, along with being principal, Russ took back the football coaching position taking the Bulldogs from a sixth place team to winning the conference championship. He received the Montana coach of the year award.

In 1956 he was appointed Whitefish High School principal, a post he held until 1971 when he was promoted to be superintendent of the Whitefish School District. In 1971, one month after becoming superintendent, the Junior High gymnasium was destroyed by fire. Then in 1977, the High School gymnasium, shop and several classroom areas were burned. After both fires he championed the construction of new gyms and classrooms. Russ retired from the superintendent position in 1982.

Russ was a dedicated coach, teacher and administrator. His influence on Whitefish students, during his 31-year tenure, is still remembered and admired. Russ was respected by his students and teams for his high standards, expectations and ideals that he himself exemplified.

He was twice elected chairman of the Northwest Administrations Association and held membership in MASA and AASA. In 1969 he received the Jaycees “Boss of the Year” award. Russ was a long time member of the Whitefish Lions club. He was also selected as Prime Minister of the Winter Carnival in 1964.

In retirement Russ and Ruth enjoyed traveling and took several oversea tours with Ruth’s sisters and husbands. He attended annual reunions of his fighter squadron and hosted it one year. Russ was an avid bridge player and participated in several bridge clubs. He also enjoyed gardening and had a beautiful rose garden. However, their greatest joy during retirement years was spending time with their grandchildren.

Russ is survived by his sons R.D. (Lee Ann) and Roger (Karen) all of Whitefish. His grandchildren, Ryan, Abreon, Tevis, and Kieven Giesy and great-grandson Jayden. His sisters-in-law Nina and husband Don Diediker, Gladys Caldwell, Fredalee Horn, Edith Gamble, and Carol Bell as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Russ was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; his parents, Rusper and Edna Giesy; his granddaughter, Marissa Ann Giesy; aunts, Gladys Rasmussen and Lois Swanson; and uncle, Hector Rasmussen.

Cremation has taken place at Austin Funeral Home. A “Celebration of Life” will be held in Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish on Saturday, Nov. 3 at 11 a.m.

Rememberances may be made to the Russell D. and Ruth Giesy Scholarship Fund, established as a living memorial in their names, at the Whitefish Credit Union, 300 Baker Avenue, Whitefish, MT or at any Whitefish Credit Union Branch Office.

You are invited to go to www.austinfh.com to offer condolences, share memories and view Russ’s tribute wall.

Arrangements entrusted to Austin Funeral Home.