Harley Lee Gesiriech passed away peacefully in his home on January 28, 2023. He was born on September 23, 1938, on his family’s ranch in Newport, Nebraska, the youngest of 12 children born to John and Goldie Gesiriech. He attended rural school through eighth grade and graduated from Rock County High School in Bassett. Harley continued his education at Wayne State Teachers College, earning degrees in biology and industrial arts. While at Wayne, Harley excelled in sports, particularly track, holding a distance medley record for fifty years.
It was at Wayne that Harley met the love of his life, Janice McArdle. They married shortly after graduation in 1960 and moved to northeast Iowa, where Harley began his career in education, teaching in Rudd, Marble Rock and Rockford. After teaching for several years, Harley and Jan returned to Wayne with their two small children so Harley could earn his Master’s Degree. While earning his MA, Harley and Jan’s family became complete, with the birth of their youngest son.
In August 1967, Harley, Jan, Joan, John and Joseph moved to Estherville, Iowa, which would become their home for over 40 years.
While in Estherville, Harley became a popular junior high and then high school teacher, positively influencing the lives of many students. His ability as a storyteller and humorist served him well in his woodshop and drivers education car. Never one to sit still, Harley also taught woodworking classes at the local community college and built beautiful furniture for many local customers. Harley and Jan had a craft store in their home, and took Harley’s handmade goods to craft shows for a number of years. He was a skilled artisan with a broad knowledge of many topics.
Wanting to give back to the community that they had become part of, Harley was elected to the city council and served for 24 years.
A diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in 1982 changed things for Harley, but he never complained about the pain or ravages of the disease. He retired from teaching in 1997, but Harley and Jan continued to renovate homes in Estherville and eventually Elkhorn, Nebraska where they finally settled in 2018.
Other health challenges arose for Harley in his later years but he always had time for his family and friends. He is remembered and deeply missed by everyone who was fortunate to have a conversation, share a cup of coffee, or watch a Cornhuskers football game with him.
Continuing his dedication to giving back, Harley chose to donate his body to the University of Nebraska Medical Center where he hoped to help others learn from his disease.
Harley was preceded in death by beloved wife of over 61 years, Janice McArdle Gesiriech, his parents, John and Goldie Gesiriech, sisters Lola, Goldie, Faye, Marilyn and Philomenia, brothers John Lavern, Wayne and Gerald.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Joan (Peter) Chemidlin, John, and Joseph; daughter in law Diana; grandchildren Tighe, Morgan, Joshua, Jonah and Benjamin; sisters Jacqulyn (Milton) Owens and Carol (Niel) Edmunds; brother Charles Rollin; and sisters in law Patricia (Fred) Meisinger and Connie McArdle and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service for Harley will be held at a later date. Memorial tributes may be made to the John and Goldie Gesiriech Family Scholarship at Rock County High School, c/o Jan Foster, PO Box 581 Bassett, NE 68714 or the Open Door Mission, Omaha, NE.
