ohn E. Giere, age 88 of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully Saturday, April 20, 2013. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara in 1999 and sisters, Ursula Alter and Sr. Joan Frances Giere. He is survived by his children, Anne Giere (Timothy Meinken), John (Eileen) Giere, Tom (Laura) Giere, Maria (Lang) Himebaugh; sister, Sr. Alice Giere; brother-in-law, Raymond Alter; and many loving grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Born in Fort Wayne, IN, John enlisted in the US Navy, then graduated from the University of Detroit following the war. While in college, John’s life-long love of music developed as he established and directed the University’s marching band. John settled in Grand Rapids in the 1950s, married, raised a family, and started a successful plating business. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, John adored his family and will be greatly missed. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Friday 11:00 AM at St. Robert of Newminster Church, 6477 Ada Dr. SE, Rev. Leonard Sudlik, presiding. Private entombment Resurrection Cemetery. Friends, neighbors, colleagues are warmly invited to visitation with John’s family one hour prior to the service at church. Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities of West Michigan, 40 Jefferson SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Flowers may be delivered directly to the church.
