Earl "Coach"

Fondly known as “Coach”, Earl F. Gieseke, 92, a long time resident of Glendale, Arizona, died December 26, 2009. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Louise Letarte Gieseke whom he met at the University of Arizona. He was the last living member of his immediate family outliving his mother, Emily; father, Fred; sisters Bernice, Margery and Betty; and brother Harold. Earl graduated from Arlington High School in Illinois. He enrolled at Riverside California Junior College where he played on the freshman football team. After winning a game against the University of Arizona, impressed coaches offered him a full scholarship at the UA. There he lettered in track and football and played on the UA basketball team. He was member of Kappa Sig fraternity. After graduation in 1940 he began coaching at Glendale High School only to be interrupted by war. He served the duration of World War II in the US Navy returning after the war to teach and coach at Glendale High. He attended Stanford and ASU receiving his Masters at Arizona State. After 19 years of teaching and helping install the first class at Cortez High School, Earl retired to work on his farm, cattle trading and land acquisitions. He and his wife, Helen, enjoyed traveling to countries around the world. Earl had been a life member of the American Legion for 41 continuous years. In later years it was his pleasure to meet once a week with former students and friends for breakfast and to go on “trail” rides to secluded parts of Arizona with them. He is survived by nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial service will be held at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center, 12420 N. 103 Ave. in Sun City at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 9th, 2010. Following the service a reception will be held at the Earl E. Mitchell American Legion Post 29, 6822 N. 57th Dr. in downtown Glendale. Interment at graveside is private. Memorials would be appreciated being sent to The American Legion Earl E. Mitchell Post 29 or Hospice of the Valley.