Louis (Louie) Calvin Giersdorf

A long life well-lived, rich in family and friends, ended at his home with his family by his side Feb. 12, 2009.

He was born in Wolf Point, Mont., to Gladys and Guy Giersdorf on Oct. 23, 1923.

He moved from Wolf Point to Spokane and off to?Neppel (later to be changed to Moses Lake). He?attended school in Moses Lake and in his teens helped with cattle and sheep on the Royal Slope Ranch.

He married Marie Golly on Aug. 29, 1945. They had four children.

He was a lifetime member of the Rodeo Association that he helped develop. He owned and operated his construction business, leveling land and building many Grant County roads.

In 1963, construction took him and his family to Oklahoma, where he worked with water flood programs. He retured to Moses Lake in 1970 and Ellensburg on the way to Rochester, Wash., where he started his tours on the Trans Alaska Pipeline.

In 1982, they built their home in Wenatchee, Wash., and finished several trips to Alaska, taking Marie whenever possible. He retired from International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 at the age of 62.

He loved his family and was a wonderful role model. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, water skiing, singing, playing guitar and organ, camping, riding and training horses, wood work and a good card game.

He is preceded in death by his parents Guy and Gladys Giersdorf, and son Ed Giersdorf.

He is survived by sisters Francis Hellums of Seattle, and Alvira Gordon of Yuma, Ariz., Marie Giersdorf (wife of 63-plus years), daughter Linda and Richard Millard of Moses Lake, daughter-in-law Carolee Giersdorf of Spokane, daughter Debbie and Paul Volkmann of Wenatchee, Wash., and son Les Giersdorf of Wenatchee, Wash., numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He will be missed by all who knew him. We look forward to that great reunion one day! Anyone may contact Marie or children at Box E, Chelan, WA 98816, in care of Debbie Volkmann.