(September 18, 1936 – May 26, 2023)
Gary A. Giessler, 86, of Monroe, Indiana, passed away on Friday, May 26, 2023 at Adams Woodcrest. Born on September 18, 1936 in Blue Island, Illinois, he was the son of the late Howard H. and Ruth H. (Thomas) Giessler. On May 1, 2010, he married Debra S. Nussbaum.
He was a 1954 graduate of Northside High School and then went on to receive a Bachelors and Masters from Ball State University. His career in education began as a gym teacher in Auburn and then for Decatur High School, beginning his nearly 4 decades with North Adams Community Schools. He served as Principal for 28 years at Southeast Elementary and then was an Interim Principal for both South Adams and Adams Central. He also sat on the North Adams School Board and served as a Past President. After his retirement, he was the truant officer for North Adams.
One cannot think of Gary and not mention his love of athletics on the high school level. Upon coming to North Adams, he founded the Bellmont Wrestling Program and served as Head Coach from 1962 – 1969, during the later year he coached a First State Champion. He was also a IHSAA Wrestling Official and officiated State Tournaments in 1979 and 1980. He was inducted into the state wrestling Hall of Fame in 2007. He also was the Head Coach for Bellmont Baseball.
Gary is survived by his wife, Debra S. Giessler of Monroe; son, Tod T. Giessler of Decatur; step-son, Kris (Rachel) Burkhart of Monroe; sister-in-law, Diane (Ken) Neadstine of Monroe; 2 grandsons, Justin Giessler of Indianapolis, and Zachary Giessler of San Diego; 2 step great grandchildren, Alex (Kate) Burkhart and Jordan Burkhart.
Visitation will be from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at Haggard-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 also at the funeral home with Rev. Tom Brunstrup officiating. Visitation will also be 1 hour prior to service from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Decatur Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to Bellmont H.S. Wrestling.
