Junior Gail VanderGiesen

Junior Gail VanderGiesen was born on March 25, 1939 to George and Henrietta (Borger) VanderGiesen at Mitchell Co. Hospital, Beloit, KS. He graduated from Downs High School in 1958.

Junior married Marideen Boxum on July 7, 1961, and to this union three sons were born, Gail, Gary, and Glen.

In the mid 60's he started his career with Kaser Implement in Downs until he moved his family to Smith Center in 1973 to work for Smith County Implement. He was the service manager/technician until he retired in 2007. From 2007 until his passing he collected, restored, and showed tractors. He enjoyed helping numerous friends and collectors with their projects. Along the way he made many lifelong friends.

Many of his favorite past times were attending auctions, tractor cruises, plow days, and corn picking. He was instrumental in the farm show at Old Settlers day for 20 years. His greatest and cherished past time was spending time with grandkids, great grandkids in local parades or around a table of cards.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years Marideen, three sons, Gail and wife Ginny, Gary and wife Marla, Glen and wife Merry. Many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His brother Eugene and wife Dee, brother Roger and wife Kaye, and brother-in-law Paul Burnett. Marideen's siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. He went by many names (Babe, Dad, Grandpa, Gpa Giesen, Papa Giesen, Papa Bear, and Grandpa Dean).