Russell A. Gies

Russell A. Gies, age 82, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, October 20, 2024. He was born on January 29, 1942, in Grand Island, Nebraska, the beloved son of John and Lilace (Williams) Gies. Russ grew up in Grand Island, where he attended local schools and graduated from Grand Island High School with the class of 1960.

In 1961, Russ met Cathy, the love of his life, through her brother, Don, who trusted Russ above anyone else to date his sister. After three years of courtship, Russ and Cathy were married on July 11, 1964, celebrating 60 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they raised two children and shared a life filled with love. They lived in various places in Nebraska before settling in Des Moines for 14 years. Later, they found their true home in Thomson, Illinois, where Russ often expressed his gratitude to God for the life they built there.

Russ was a hardworking man who dedicated 40 years to Agrico Fertilizer company and outside of work, he never stood still. His love for building and creating was matched only by his meticulous attention to detail. A man of great organization, Russ was also a dedicated public servant, having served as police commissioner of Thomson for 24 years and as a member of the village board for 29 years. He was a proud fourth-degree Knight of Columbus and found joy in bowling and in caring deeply for his wife, Cathy.

He could be a strict but loving father. He helped coach his son's baseball teams and watched his daughter in her love of dance and band. He had a soft heart for his grandchildren, playing with them at every opportunity. He was also an adoring great-grandfather, and his love and care will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Russ leaves behind his cherished wife, Cathy, of Thomson, Illinois; his two children, Debbie (Adam) Klinger of Ankeny, Iowa, and Michael (Lisa) Gies of Spring Hill, Kansas; his four grandchildren, Tyler (Brooklyn) Klinger of Des Moines, Iowa, Shelby (Adam Tiernan) Klinger of Madrid, Iowa, Christopher Gies of Chicago, Illinois, and Zachary Gies of Spring Hill, Kansas; two beloved great-granddaughters, Scarlet and Stella; and his sister-in-law, Kay Geis of Grand Island, Nebraska. Russ is preceded in death by his parents, John and Lilace; his brother, John; his sister-in-law, Sue Gies; his daughter-inlaw, Julie Gies; and his brother-in-laws, Don, Walt and Dave Geis.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 25, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Savanna. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 24, at Antl Hall in Savanna, as well as one hour prior to mass in the hall. Burial will take place at a later date.

A man of integrity, loyalty, and boundless love for his family, Russ will be remembered fondly and missed dearly by all who were fortunate to know him.