Wilbur James Giesler

Wilbur James Giesler, 95, died Saturday, December 9, 2023, at his home surrounded by family. A native of Buffalo, New York, he was born July 2 1928, son of the late August H and Wilhemina Fischle Giesler. He was husband to the late Joan Elizabeth Shadle Giesler for 69 years. 

He retired as a Lt Col from the US Air Force in 1969, aircraft commander, test pilot and unit commander and retired from Pratt and Whitney Aircraft Company. He was a member of Joy Lutheran Church and several bible study groups. Retirement was filled with golf, woodworking, travel and family. 

Surviving are his children, Gretchen Riemersma (Norman) of Glenwood, IA., Diane Kilbourn of Spartanburg, Kurt Giesler (Mariana) of Rock Hill, SC and Eric Giesler (Laurie) of Cicero, IN., Seven granddaughters and 13 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother Wallace Jay Giesler. 

 Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Joy Lutheran Church, Moore, SC. with burial in Arlington National Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, C/O Corporate Headquarters, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa Florida 33607 or to Hillsdale College, Attn: Institutional Advancement, 33 East College Street, Hillsdale, Michigan 49242.