Walter W. Van Gieson

Walter Van Gieson, “ Van” to his family and friends, 90 passed away peacefully Thursday, November 2018 at his home. He was born and was raised in Brooklyn, NY to the late Walter Wilson Van Gieson Sr. &  Monna Van Gieson (Duckworth ). He married Esther Rodriguez on December 23, 1950 in Detroit, MI, she survives him.Surviving besides his wife 67 years are their children Linda Hicks, Karl Van Gieson and Terri Chester, 7 seven grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, whom he loved dearly; and sister Monna Rockefeller. He was preceded in death by his sister Louise Drennan.Van was a man of honor and valor.  A veteran of the U.S. Army/Air Force. After discharge he began a life-long career with Grand Trunk Railroad, pioneering many programs and advancements with his organized and strategic approach. Van and his wife Esther were very active in the community including membership in the Dearborn Elks Lodge #1941. Van retired after 38 years, moving with his wife to Beaverton Michigan where they continued to lead an active and dynamic life.  Van was an avid hunter and loved spending time on their 40 acres of recreational land.  Van also stayed active on local bowling and golf leagues as well as gardening on their beautiful home property. Van is also a member of the Gladwin Eagles 3292. A scholar and a voracious reader, Van passed on a legacy of this passion to his children and his personal library is legendary with his many friends and family.  A portion of his collections will be donated to military history facilities for preservation as part of his legacy.  Van was loved by all and will be missed. The family will host a visitation and memorial service on Saturday November 3, 2018.Interment will be in Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI at a later day. Family will be present at the funeral home on Saturday from 3:00 to 7:00 pm. Those wishing an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Beaverton World War I Memorial (donations can be made at any Chemical Bank in Beaverton or Gladwin, MI) Arrangements are in the care of Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home, Beaverton, Michigan. www.hall-kokotovichfuneralhome.com