Herbert Henry Giesen, age 103, of Sunbury achieved his goal of 'hitting a hundred' and then some. He died Wednesday, Jan. 28, at home.
Herbert personified "Gemütlichkeit," which means a state of warmth, friendliness, and good cheer. Roughly translated, "the good life." He often said, "Years ago I gave up worrying for Lent and never took it up again." His smile was virtually constant.
Herbert was born in Sunbury Feb. 12, 1922, the son of the late Hubert and Frieda (Schael) Giesen. After he graduated from Sunbury High School in 1939, he was employed by McCall Corporation, selling magazines for two years. Later he became the owner of the Herbert H. Giesen Insurance Agency, as an insurance agent and broker for more than 60 years. On Dec. 28, 1988, he married Doris E. (Markel) Giesen.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Doris Giesen; two sons and daughters-in-law, Mark and April Giesen, Fritz and Marcie Giesen; three daughters and one son-in-law, Stephanie and Thomas Sell, Darcy Richards, and Holly Giesen, and honorary daughter, Lisa Markley. Herbert's former wife and their mother, Dr. Carol B. Giesen died in March of 2023.
His six grandchildren are Jeffrey Sell, Sydney Richards, Carly Giesen, Nicole Hallman, Brandon Giesen, and Jared Giesen. He was preceded in death by his sister, Alice Ruth Jaegers, in 2007.
Herbert was in the US Army 97th Division during WWII from 1941 until his honorary discharge in 1945. He served in Europe and Japan for which he received numerous decorations. He was a life member of the Sunbury Social Club, the BPOE #267, the American Legion #201, and the Goodwill Hose Company. He was also a member of the Sunbury Revitalization Inc. Hill Neighborhood and Olde Towne groups. He was active at the Sunbury branch of the GSV YMCA and participated in the Silver Sneakers group well into his nineties.
Herbert enjoyed spending time with family, reading about current events, taking care of his rental properties, hunting, fishing, boating, ballroom dancing, working around the house, and watching "The History Channel," especially military programs. He visited friends in nursing homes and would bring them magazines. His love of photography led him to take thousands of pictures, then give them to the people in the photos. He was considered the unofficial photographer for the American Legion.
He received citations in 2023 from the Pa. and Maryland legislatures honoring his 100th birthday.
The Giesen family would like to add sincere and heartfelt thanks to Lollipop Home Health Care Services and Geisinger Hospice. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Legion Post 201 at 611 Market Street, Sunbury, Pa., 17801 or the Americus Hose Company at 100 Linden St., Sunbury, Pa., 17801.
A visitation will be held for him at the American Legion Post 201, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 1 p.m. Following the visitation, his family and friends may share their remembrances of him at 2 p.m. in the same location.
Arrangements are by the Zweier Funeral Home, 157 Chestnut St., Sunbury.