Marion Giesecke

 Well, it happened, He’s flown the coop. We used to joke that he just might be immortal and outlive us all; turns out that isn’t true. Marion Herbert Giesecke was born on June 29, 1935, to Louis Marion Giesecke and Agnes Gladys Giesecke of Belvidere, Illinois. He attended Belvidere public high school where he was the valedictorian of his graduating class, and in his later years, he enjoyed attending class reunions.

 After graduation, Marion attended the University of Illinois, where he earned a degree in Finance and Accounting. Then in 1957, Marion enlisted in the United States Army, where he served as an intelligence specialist in Germany until his honorable discharge in 1960. Following his discharge, Marion would work as an accountant for General Electric in DeKalb, Illinois, where he would meet his future wife, Virjean “Jean” Challand of Shabbona, Illinois. Jean had three sons, Roger Challand of Indianapolis, Indiana, Mark Challand of Shabbona, Illinois, and Mike Challand of Shabbona, Illinois, that Marion would later consider his sons.

After retiring, Marion enjoyed membership on the boards of several credit unions in the DeKalb, Illinois, area where he continued to pursue his interest in finance. He was also an active member of the Baptist Church of Shabbona, Illinois, where he met his lifelong friend, Pastor Jeff Coester. Marion also occupied his time volunteering at the Shabbona Historical Museum.

 Throughout his life, Marion was an avid bird watcher, often hiking many miles in search of an elusive specimen to record in his log books. He joined many birding groups out of Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin, spending large amounts of time amongst others who shared his passion for birding. Marion was also a voracious reader. He enjoyed reading books on many topics to broaden his worldview, instilling that same love of reading among his grandchildren and supplying a steady addiction to books among them. Marion notoriously read three to four different newspapers nearly every day to “keep track of things.”

 Marion is loved and will be missed by Mike (Kim) Challand of Lanark, Illinois, and their children Kelsey of Chicago, Illinois, and Noah of LaSalle, Illinois; Roger (Connie) Challand of Indianapolis, IN, and their children Andrew Challand of Indiana and Jenny (Ryan) Harris of Indianapolis, IN, as well as many friends and family.

 Marion was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jean Giesecke, Mark Challand, his brothers Louis “Ben” Giesecke of Belvidere, Illinois, and Jerry Dorn of California, and his sister Shirley Andrews of Peoria, Illinois.

 Marion Herbert Giesecke died peacefully on December 7, 2024, at Allure of Sterling, Illinois. He previously resided in Morrison, IL, and Shabbona, IL, and as a man of his convictions, those who loved him know exactly where he will be heading. Marion will be remembered by his loved ones for his impish sense of humor and his love of laughter.

 Celebration of Life visitation will be held on Monday, December 16, 2024 from 10:00AM–11:00AM, with service to follow at Big Red Church, Sterling.

 A memorial has been established to The Big Red Church and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

 Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com