Junior VanderGiesen

March 25, 1939 – April 25, 2024

SMITH CENTER – Junior Gail VanderGiesen, age 85, of Smith Center, passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2024.

Junior married Marideen Boxum on July 7, 1961, and to this union three sons were born, Gail, Gary, and Glen.

In the mid 60's he started his career with Kaser Implement in Downs until he moved his family to Smith Center in 1973 to work for Smith County Implement. He was the service manager/technician until he retired in 2007. From 2007 until his passing he collected, restored, and showed tractors. He enjoyed helping numerous friends and collectors with their projects. Along the way he made many lifelong friends.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years Marideen, three sons, Gail and wife Ginny, Gary and wife Marla, Glen and wife Merry. Many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His brother Eugene and wife Dee, brother Roger and wife Kaye, and brother-in-law Paul Burnett. Marideen's siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. He went by many names (Babe, Dad, Grandpa, Gpa Giesen, Papa Giesen, Papa Bear, and Grandpa Dean).

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. at Dispatch Christian Reformed Church Tuesday, April 30. Interment was at Dispatch Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Gems & Cadets Dispatch Youth, and Dispatch Cemetery fund in care of Schoen Funeral Home And Monuments, 1001 Morgan Ave., Downs, KS 67437. Online condolences to schoenfhm.com