John Henry “Jack” Gieswein was born April 25, 1924 in a sod home northwest of Tribune, Kansas to Jake and Mary “Kuddes” Gieswein. Jack was the third of five children. He departed this life on April 10, 2020 at the Council Grove assisted Living.
Jack attended Walnut Grove, a one room school and Wilsey High School. After high school he helped with the family farm and worked at the Wilsey Grain Elevator delivering feed. At this time, he started his passion of working with horses; breaking many horses to ride for the area farmers. One of his first horses came in on a railroad cattle car from Texas.
On August 5, 1951 he married Joanne Blanton at the Council Grove Methodist Church. Shortly after their marriage, they purchased a farm east of Wilsey where they resided until this past January. For many years, Jack was a dairy farmer. Later, he raised crops along with handling grass cattle. It was the first time he started raising horses and training them to work cattle. His real pride and joy was a cutting horse he raised; named Doc A Duece, that won several cutting horse competitions. By this time, Jack had several brood mares that he raised colts from his horse “Doc” which were sold to many ranchers in the area. He enjoyed helping other ranchers gather their cattle during shipping season, often many of the horses originated from his farm which gave him much pride.
Jack was always willing to offer his help and cattle to be used at the local cutting horse competition. He also helped with the Morris County Youth Rodeo Association providing cattle and support as needed. One of his greatest awards was given to him last fall by the Morris County Youth Rodeo Association for being a long time honored supporter.
Jack was an avid hunter, making several trips to western Kansas and Colorado to hunt pheasants and elk with his sons and neighbors. Later on, you could always find him at morning coffee at Wilsey and the Saddlerock Café enjoying visiting with friends and neighbors.
Jack is survived by his loving wife Joanne of the home. Two sons, Gary Gieswein and wife Regina of Emporia and Greg Gieswein and wife Dee of Council Grove. Three grandchildren, Eric Gieswein and wife Renee of Monroeville, New Jersey, Jessica Lee and husband Nathan of Ottawa, Kansas and Heidi McDermot and husband Ryon of Mobile, Alabama; five great-grandchildren, Payton and Madison Lee, Mikaela and Alexandra Gieswein and Avery McDermot. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Floyd and William and sister Dorothy.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Wilsey United Methodist Church, Morris County Youth Rodeo Association or Friends Helping Friends. They may be sent in care of Sawyer Funeral Home, PO Box 273, Council Grove, Kansas, 66846.