Don Gesch's Obituary
Don Lee Gesch went to be home with his Lord on September 18, 2024.
He was born on February 1, 1932, in Omaha, Nebraska. At age 10, the family moved to Tacoma, Washington. He graduated from Stadium High School in Tacoma in 1949 at the age of 17. He proudly served for 21 years in the U.S. Coast Guard and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer. Following his military career, he worked at the Asarco Smelting Plant, managed a Firestone store, and served as Admitting Supervisor at Tacoma General Hospital. He later owned and operated the Texaco gas station on 6th & Sprague St. in Tacoma. His final job was as a Pierce County Correction Officer, retiring in 1997. He and Jeanne were both members of Life Center Rainier in Spanaway.
He touched many lives and will be remembered for his integrity and attention to detail.
Don was an accomplished bowler, proud to have bowled a perfect 300 game.
He is survived by the love of his life, Jeanne — they had just celebrated 50 years of marriage in August — and his children: Julie (John), Paul (Cathy), Don Jr. (Therese), David, Dan (Leccett), and his stepchildren, Jeff and Karyn (Neal). He is also survived by his brother, Lyle (Colleen); his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Don was a mentor and role model, teaching the values of hard work, compassion, and resilience.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Ethel Gesch; his sister and brother-in-law, Lois and Bob Hecker; his brother and sister-in-law, Gene and D’Ann Gesch; and his son, Warren (Jake) Gesch.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Mt. View Funeral Home’s Aspen Chapel.
Memorial donations may be made to the Life Center Rainier Food Bank at: https://www.lifecenter.com/rainiercampus.
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