Gerhard E. Kriesel

Gerhard “Gerry” Eugene Kriesel 95, entered into rest and immediate presence of our Savior on October 19, 2025.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025 at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church in Watertown. Pastor Mike Borgwardt will officiate. Music will be provided by Julie Sulzle as organist.

Visitation will be at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Thursday from 5-6:30 p.m. and prior to services at the church on Friday.

Burial at Mount Hope Cemetery in Watertown. Military graveside honors will be conducted by Funeral Honors Team of the U.S. Navy and Codington County Post #17 of the American Legion, Watertown. 

Gerry was born November 8, 1929 in Watertown, South Dakota to Otto and Martha (Zantow) Kriesel. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Mazeppa Township in Grant County and attended rural grade school through eighth grade at Lura #5 township. Gerry attended high school at Northwestern Lutheran Academy in Mobridge, South Dakota, graduating in June 1947. At Northwestern College in Watertown, Wisconsin, he majored in history and German language. After college, Gerry proudly served in the United States Navy and Korean War from 1953-1956. Following his honorable discharge from the United States Navy, Gerry became a pioneer in the computer industry working as a systems analyst in Minneapolis, Chicago, San Jose and Phoenix before settling in Shoreline, Washington.

On April 23, 1961, Gerry married Joyce Raymond in Chicago. They were married for 64 years and together raised three children. Gerry’s family along with his faith, were paramount in his life. A voracious reader with an extensive book collection, Gerry also enjoyed classical music, especially Bach, and was an avid music collector. Gardening and attending estate sales with Joyce were some of his favorite pastimes reflecting his appreciation for both nature and art.

Active in his community, Gerry and Joyce volunteered at Children’s Orthopedic Hospital Thrift Store in Shoreline. He enjoyed spending time with friends and engaging in meaningful discussions on current events. He could fix almost anything and accredited his longevity to his “green drink” he made every morning. Gerry was a faithful member of the WELS Lutheran Church, attending Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Everett, Washington. Gerry’s life was a testament to dedication, faith and a profound love for his family and community. His legacy of service and warmth will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.

Gerry is survived by his wife Joyce Kriesel, son Major General James Kriesel USAF, daughters Renee Kriesel and Karen Kriesel and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Otto and Martha Kriesel, his brother Lyle and sister-in-law Elsie Kriesel, his sister Dorothy and brother-in-law Calvin Frey, and his sister Betty and brother-in-law Rolla Stoltenburg.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti.

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