William (Bill) J. Giesler

William (Bill) J. Giesler Jr., 83, of Harrisville, passed away, September 11, 2020 at Orchard Manor Skilled Nursing Facility in Grove City, from complications of Parkinson’s disease.  Bill left this earthly life to eternal life with Jesus Christ his Savior whom he loved and served for many years.

Bill was born October 21, 1936 in Butler PA to William J. Giesler and Helen Walker Giesler.  He graduated from Harrisville High School in 1954.  In 1956 he married the love of his life Marjorie A. Peiffer in the Methodist Church in Harrisville where they have lived for 62 years.

He worked for over 50 years in the grocery business starting at A&P at the age of 16.  For approximately 2 years he worked with his brother, Robert who owned and operated the Sinclair service station in Harrisville.  In 1961 he began working as store manager for Friedman’s Supermarket in Slippery Rock until 1972.  In 1973 he began working for Golden Dawn Foods, Sharon, PA as sales representative for approximately 30 stores, then retail supervisor for Peter J. Schmidt Co., Riser Foods and the last 10 years under Giant Eagle.  He retired in 2004, but retirement wasn’t for him so he worked part time at Henry’s Market in Harrisville and Walt’s in Mercer until his health began to decline.  He truly was a people person and enjoyed talking to everyone; store owners, customers, co-workers and friends.

Bill was a longtime member of Wayside Community Church where he served as board member, trustee, Sunday School superintendent, Sunday School teacher for adults and teens and song leader.   He sang many special songs in solos, duets, quartets and choir.  His beautiful tenor voice will be greatly missed. 

Bill loved sports.  He played baseball and basketball in high school and continued to play in Butler County baseball leagues.  He continued to play basketball and softball for much of his life, always carrying a basketball and glove in his trunk in case he came upon a game.  He enjoyed playing golf and was a member of the Armco/Oakview Golf Club for many years.  He loved listening and watching the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers.  Most of all he loved watching his grandson play baseball, basketball and golf.  He also attended all concerts, plays, volleyball games and events of his 5 granddaughters. 

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Marge of Harrisville, his three children Robin (Bill) Champion of Indianapolis, IN, Wm. (Randy) Lori Giesler of Harrisville, Amy (Al) Heckman of Enola, PA, six grandchildren: Trisha (Joshua) Thompson, Brian Giesler, Taylor Champion, Sara (Regan) Hess, Tracy (Kevin) Tomes and Tara Champion, two step grandchildren Valerie Heckman and Ryan Heckman.  Four great grandchildren Myles, Avery, Kharter and Quenton.  One step great grandson Jacob.  One brother also survives Robert E. Giesler and his wife Janice of Port St. Lucie FL.  Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. 

Family will receive friends at the Jamison McKinley Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 from 2-4 and 7-9.  Funeral services will take place at the Wayside Community Church, 1911 Mercer Grove City Road, Mercer PA 16137 on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 11:00 am with an hour of visitation prior to the funeral service.  Rev. Lester Rowan will be officiating and Rev. Kenton Shaw will be assisting in the service. 

Memorials in William’s name may be made to the Wayside Community Church 81 Hartwick Road Mercer, PA 16137.

Friends can send condolences by visiting www.jamisonfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William (Bill) J. Giesler, please visit our floral store.