KALIDA Karen Ann “Rusty” Giesige, 82, of Kalida, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima surrounded by her loving family. She was born August 29, 1942, in Fostoria to the late Earl and Eleanor (Nartker) Jacobs. On July 23, 1960, she married Paul Giesige, who survives in Kalida.
She is also survived by six children: Bruce (Nancy) Giesige of Beavercreek, Shelly (Ed) Knueve of Kalida, Fr. Randy Giesige of Leipsic, Roger (Denise) Giesige, Jen (Brent) Helmke and Jeff (Shelly) Giesige, all of Kalida; 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her sister, Brenda Rupert.
Karen formerly worked for Miller’s Pharmacy in Kalida. She was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, Kalida and Moose Lodge #199, Lima. Karen was a Cub Scout den mother, past president of the Kalida Band Boosters and Kalida School Board member for 8 years. She enjoyed reading, cooking, golfing and wintering in Florida with her husband, Paul. Karen loved spending time with her family, especially her children and grandchildren.
Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at St. Michael Catholic Church, Kalida with her son, Fr. Randy Giesige and Fr. Phil Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Friday and 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township. A vigil service will begin at 1:45 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to the Putnam County Cancer Assistance Program (CAP), P.O. Box 165, Glandorf, OH 45848 or The Sight Center of Northwest Ohio, 1002 Garden Lake Pkwy, Toledo, OH 43614. Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com
Karen Ann “Rusty” Giesige
