Gisela Goss-Spaniak's Obituary
Gisela Goss-Spaniak took her Tango to the Heavens February 22, 2016. An elegant lady with an eye for beauty, fashion and passion for dancing. She is survived by husband and soul mate of 24yrs Frank Spaniak, daughter Kim and her husband Rob Thornton, and was loving “Omi” to grandson Wyatt Thornton.
Gisela was born April 25, 1938 in Stuttgart, Germany, the 2nd of three daughters to Willy Johannes Frederick and Marie (Saur) Priehn. After graduating school, she completed a three year apprenticeship, working another three years as a Window Dresser in Frankfurt and Stuttgart Germany. She moved to London, England for a year and made the “Royal Society of Arts and Examination in English for Foreigners.” She then worked as an Administrative Clerk and Translator for the U.S. Army in Crailsheim, Germany where she caught the eye of Officer Wallace Caviness. They married then moved to Washington State where Gisela gave birth to their daughter, Kim. Gisela taught German at a foreign language school and spent several years in the restaurant business as a hostess, waitress and cashier before making her way as a top sales associate in Fine Jewelry, and later having her own store before retiring.
Gisela met Frank Spaniak one day when he was shopping for a necklace and later asked her out. It was love at first dance and Gisela and Frank married after his return from Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1991. They always enjoyed the elegance of dressing up and social dancing. In 2010 they decided to take it up a notch and enter competitions - together earning over 30 gold medals in the last 6 years from competitive ballroom dancing - waltz, quickstep, jive, fox trot, tango and of course, the fiery paso doble.
Gisela and Frank were featured guests and performers for many clubs and events including Dance Club of Grays Harbor, USA Dance: Tacoma Chapter #1023, The Winter Club, Washington State Senior Games, The Governor's Inaugural Ball and Dancing with the Tacoma Stars.
Gisela’s Celebration will be held Sat. March 12th at 1pm in the Garden Chapel at Mountain View Memorial with viewing prior to the service at 12pm. Reception to follow at the Lakewood Elks 6313 75th St W, Lakewood WA 98499 till 5pm.
Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share memories with the Family.
Live, Love, Laugh, Dance.
What’s your fondest memory of Gisela?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gisela?
Share a story where Gisela's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gisela you’ll never forget.
How did Gisela make you smile?
