Obituaries
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jean Ellen Giesler of Fulton, IL. Jean departed this world on August 20, 2023, a few days shy of her 92nd birthday.
Her funeral mass will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 26th at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fulton, IL, with Rev. Father Timothy Barr officiating. Family remembrances and lunch will follow in the church rectory. Interment will be at the Calvary Hill Cemetery in Fulton. A visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 25th at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. In remembrance of Jean, her family asks that any charitable donations be made to the Fulton Historical Society, Fidelity Drives Building, P.O. Box 167, Fulton, IL 61252.
Jean was born on August 26, 1931, in Chicago, to the late James and Sophia Bishton. A bright spark in the bustling city, Jean completed her early education at St. Louis Academy in Chicago before going on to receive an Associate’s Degree from DePaul University. In 1959, Jean, alongside her first husband, Richard Kummerer, moved to Fulton, IL. Rich was one of the founders of Drives, Inc., and upon his passing in 1977, Jean showcased her resilience and commitment by serving on the company's Board of Directors during a challenging economy and a period of transition that included the loss of Rich’s business partner, Alfred Den Besten, and his wife, Sylvia, who was Jean’s beloved friend.
The chapters of Jean's life turned once more when she met Dale Giesler, a revered math teacher and the football coach at Fulton High School. Their union blended two families into one, with love at its core. Dale and Jean shared numerous joys and passions which included travel throughout the U.S. and Europe as well as overnights at their cabin on the Mississippi River. They were the cornerstone of family gatherings, always present at weddings and graduations or holding court at spirited rounds of Trivial Pursuit.
To describe Jean as merely a devoted and loving mother would be an understatement. She was a beacon of love, support, and strength. Her love knew no bounds, not just for her own children but also for her stepchildren and the generations that followed. She had the rare ability to make each person feel cherished, understood, and important. Her grace in embracing life's challenges, including Dale’s untimely passing in 2001, and the boundless love she gave to her family will forever remain an inspiration to all who had the honor of knowing her.
She is survived by her children: Richard Kummerer (Michelle), Karen Morris (Roland), Diane Scholl (Charles), James Kummerer, Sandy Kummerer (David Frankel), and William Kummerer (Heather). Jean's love story also includes her five stepchildren: Daniel Giesler, Ron Giesler (Beth), Lori Richter (Larry Garlough), Amy Cavanaugh (Bud Grell), and Susan Pannell (Ed). The legacy of her love extends to 25 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren, a testament to a generation that is "just getting started."
As we mourn the loss of such an extraordinary soul, we also celebrate a life beautifully lived, one that touched countless hearts and created memories that will be cherished for generations.
May Jean's spirit continue to guide and inspire us, and may her legacy of love live on in the stories we share, the memories we hold dear, and the lives she touched so profoundly.
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Previous Events
Visitation
25
Aug
1500 10th Avenue
Fulton, IL 61252
Funeral Mass
26
Aug
703 12th Avenue
Fulton, IL 61252
Cemetery Details
Location
701 Fowler Rd
Fulton, IL 61252
