Frank William Giesber
June 22, 1937 ~ February 15, 2016
We celebrate the life of Frank William Giesber who died peacefully on February 15 at the age of 78. Frank was with his wife of 53 years, Faith Elaine (Kern) Giesber, in Seguin, Texas. Frank is lovingly honored by Elaine and their two daughters, Rachel Clingman and Jennifer Hoxie; his sister Shirley (Tootsie) Tiedt; grandchildren Alex, Carson, William and Sarah; the TLU Community and many friends.
Frank was born June 22, 1937, in La Grange, TX, to Ruth Loessin and George Henry Giesber. He enjoyed La Grange High School where he was senior class president and sports editor for the Fayette County and surrounding town newspapers. He and Elaine met at Texas Lutheran University (then College), where her parents had attended school, and he proposed in 1961 so that she would return to Seguin instead of leaving for Africa on a missionary trip.
Frank actively followed sports and politics, and he dedicated his life to his family and to higher education. After graduating from TLU in 1959, he obtained a law degree from the University of Texas School of Law and worked as County attorney for Fayette County for three years before returning to TLU as a professor and UT as a graduate student, obtaining a PhD in Economics.
Frank was proud of his long tenure with TLU, as a professor (1966-2002) and Academic Dean (1977-1981). He served as pre-law advisor and created the economics curriculum that led to an economics major. He loved teaching and enjoyed close relationships with his colleagues and students.
The family will host a memorial service at 3 pm on Sunday, February 21 at the Chapel of the Abiding Presence at Texas Lutheran University followed by a reception.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Frank Giesber Scholarship Fund at TLU or to Emanuel's Lutheran Church in Seguin.
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What a wonderful and impactful life—and a tremendous legacy he leaves in both his family and his work. Sending prayers for peace and deepest sympathies for your family’s loss.
Gonna miss you, Franklin! No matter where I saw him, he always had a smile. Rest well; you earned it!
’m not sure who said, “Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a Dad,” but reading your father’s obituary brought it to mind. He sounds like he was a very special man indeed. Your dad may be gone, but his hopes and dreams live on in you and your children. Please accept my condolences – I know this is a very hard time.
My condolences to the entire Giesber Family. He was a good man. Rest in Peace Frank.
I believe that when we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. May you take comfort in knowing that now you have an angel that is watching over you and your family. My most sincere condolences.
Frank, “Uncle Boogie”, was an incredibly bright, dedicated and honorable man. He will be missed by so many of us who loved him- but none more than my incredible Aunt Elaine who should receive caregiver of the year(s). What a loving marriage and what an inspiration to others. May God’s peace be with Elaine, Rachel and family and Jennifer and family.
Every time I’ve heard someone say “supply and demand” for the last several decades, I have thought of Professor Giesber. He was a wonderful teacher.
Deepest sympathy to Elaine and family. May the comfort of friends and family – and Our Lord’s loving arms – sustain you. Bob and Hope Pees
I have so many memories of Dr. Giesber’s wit, humor, and passion for economics. There’s no telling how many times I watched him sketch the circular flow model of goods and services. May he rest in peace.
Our deepest sympathy too all… we buried my dad today so my heart is with you. DeeDee Jandt-Cook, Martha Jandt and family
My sympathy to you and your family. It is a sad day when you lose your life long partner.
Our prayers and hearts are with you, Elaine, and your dear family as you experience this most difficult of times!
Our Deepest Sympathy to you Dear Elaine and Family in the loss of your Husband, Father, Grandfather and to Frank’s Sister “Tootsie” and Family. Our Love and Prayers to all who loved him. He was a Gentleman and we will remember him always with loving thoughts. God Bless you all. With Love and Respect
Our thoughts and prayers are with you today and in the days ahead. We are very sorry to hear this. Take care.
Elaine and family you are in my thoughts and prayers. You have my sincere sympathy.
Deepest sympathies to friends and family of Frank. He sounded like a wonderful person. I am a friend of Rachel’s in Houston and have heard great things about her dad.
Elaine and family you are in our thoughts and prayers. You have our sincere sympathy
Our sympathies, Elaine & family- Frank was a great guy who suffered too long, but is now free of pain forever in our Fathers arms
My condolences to the Girsber family. Rest in peace.
He was one of my professors my first semester at TLC.. Exploring the Arts and Sciences… rest in peace, Dr. Giesber.
My sincerest condolence, Elaine, to you and your daughters.
Great teacher and mentor. Thank you for all you did for us Dr. Giesber. Vaya con Dios Dr. Giesber.
Love to you and Blessings
Elaine, You and Frank are special people. Frank was fun to be around and a great colleague. He helped make my teaching experience at TLC a lot more pleasant than it would have been without him. Bernard and Betty
Mary and I were sad to hear the news. We have some great memories of spending time with Frank; Houston, Seguin, the farm, and of course our vacation in Galveston. “Frankie G”, as he was known in the football pool, was so much fun! He took such abuse (from me) over his Cowboys versus all the other teams. He tried to defend Jerry Jones, the owner, but failed. Our football family remembers him as the guy that was the big winner in 2010 to the tune of $116.64! He is at peace and we hope that you can be too and enjoy the memories. Love, Kyle and Mary
A very dear friend we will miss greatly.Many good memories. Love you Elaine, Rachel, Jennifer & family. .
A friend of the Renslo ans Streng families..Blessed be his memory. Clarie Renslo Streng
Our prayers are with the family. God bless.
My prayers are with you,
God’s peace and comfort to you Elaine, and family. Frank was a blessing to many and you together we’re a loving presence and gift to the community. In thanksgiving for Frank’s life…..
Frank Giesber…. What a consummate gentleman. What a sweet, caring, thoughtful person. So kind and so smart. I truly enjoyed every minute I was with or around Frank. I will miss him so much. The very fondest memories of him though will live with me always. Elaine, Rachel and Jennifer, my deepest condolences for your (and our) earthly loss. May the pain of his passing be quickly replaced by the fabulous thoughts of his truly wonderful life. God Bless you and all of your families.
Frank has always been an inspiration to me as a person of absolute integrity, who gracefully and faithfully lived into so many expressions of his vocation. Most obvious to me in my 14 years at TLU (I’m sure others will celebrate even more!): colleague, friend, mentor, gentle critic, public intellectual, generous donor of books to the library, astute observer of social and academic realities while encouraging the best in each of us. The life he lived will live on as a touchstone for so many. Elaine, I know that his acceptance of the interim provostship in 1998 during a period of transition meant a sacrifice of his time with the family. I felt that keenly, but was so grateful for his steadying hand. Godspeed, Frank!
Dear Elaine and family, Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss. I know he will be missed, and I pray for your comfort and peace.
Dear Elaine and family, We have such good memories of Frank and your social concerns work while we were at Emanuel’s Lutheran. Frank lived his faith in his church, the community and in the TLU community. He will be missed.
I have so many memories of Frank an I and a lot of the things we did at TLC. He helped me pass so many of my classes, and I appreciated it. He will be missed by so many people and friends. Our thoughts and Prayers are with his Family.
Thoughts and prayers are with you all…
Dear Aunt Elaine, You have been such an amzaIng role model in your loving devotion and care for Frank. No one could have been a better advocate for him and support for his dignity as he moved through the different phases of his illness. I can’t imagine how hard this is for you and want you to know that we are carrying you, Rachel, and Jenny in our hearts and prayers!
Very sad about the passing of Dr. Giesber, but when I think of all the great memories of him it puts a smile on my face. First off I am grateful for the impact he made on my entire family. Frank hired my Dad Bob Hiner at age 25 at TLC and they became best of friends. My Dad looked up and admired Frank for the 50 years they were best friends. I remember riding out early to Black Acre for the fourth of July celebration with Frank, Lane, my Dad and Mike Falkenberg as we assisted them with mowing and getting everything setup. It was always a blast as Frank dry sense of humor always had everyone laughing. Other things that resonate are his intelligence, his ability to relate to others, his sense of humor and his compassion for others. Back in the 80’s my Dad and Frank use to take us out to practice baseball on campus at TLC. During one of those times Frank accidentally broke my wooden bat. He felt bad about it and as a result several months later he ordered me a Louisville Slugger with my name on it. I still have that bat. I admire how intelligent he was but at the same time how he could relate to all and would stand up for folks if he felt they were being talked down to, etc. I loved Frank and will miss him.
Dear Rachel and family, I’m so sorry to hear about Dr. Giesber’s passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Amy (Young) Watson
Watching the photos at the service today, I was struck by the decades of love that radiated from the photos with Elaine, and with his children, and finally grandchildren. So beautiful! I appreciate your generosity in sharing him with TLU for so many years.
Frank had many, many interests—more than could ever be mentioned in a solemn moment like this. What can be said is that if he liked something he didn’t go half way. He took the plunge completely. I think he would be disappointed, if I didn’t use as an example one interest that was of enormous importance to him. Frank loved sports: football, basketball, baseball, volleyball — he was nuts about them all. He wasn’t himself blessed with the physical skills of an athlete. He knew that, but it didn’t stop him. In his younger years, he played basketball with his faculty colleagues. He wasn’t quick, an agile dribbler, or a rebounder, but he was competitive, smart, and knew the game. Also, he had a deadly set shot from above the key. For a while, Frank was also the catcher on our City league slow pitch softball team. Preston Reeves pitched, I played left, Jack Tennison was at 3rd. (We were all at least 40 or 50 years younger then.) One night we were tied with our opponent and could win if we scored one more run. We were at bat, and Frank was on 3rd. Someone hit a fly ball deep to center for the second out. Frank tagged up and started for home. As Bill Mueller can tell you, normally it’s a cinch to score from third on a long fly. It would be an exaggeration, however, to say Frank was fleet of foot. Everyone on the team was up and yelling him on as he chugged down the line. Arriving at home at the same time as the ball, Frank went to the dirt and slid-in just under the tag. His teammates went wild. We won the game, and Frank was our hero. Preston and I both remember that moment very clearly. For Frank, it was the highlight of his playing days. Always a fan, as time passed, Frank became a Super Fan! The Bulldogs were his first love— in any sport. Behind the Bulldogs came the Spurs, the St. Louis Cardinals, the Dallas Cowboys, and the teams at La Grange high school. He kept track of them all. And it wasn’t just for today or tomorrow. He seemed to know, for example, the entire history of Major league baseball. Never giving up on sports, only recently, he recited from memory the starting lineup for the 1938 Cardinals. He liked going to in-door sport competitions and sitting as close to the action as possible. Whenever a questionable call by a referee went against the TLC basketball or volleyball teams, the referees had to endure Frank’s incensed complaints from the sidelines. Frank sat in the press box at many Bulldog football games keeping defensive stats. Sometimes I think Frank liked compiling numbers as much as the games themselves. I believe he was in the press box during the legendary Jim Wacker years. Of course, he and Elaine, who was as big a Spurs fan as Frank, attended Spurs home games regularly. For a while, they shared season tickets with another crazed Spurs fan. In the latter stages of his illness, Frank, with great effort, was still whispering about Spurs games and providing clippings from the sports pages. Then there was baseball at the Astrodome, Fenway Park, Candlestick, etc. Once, maybe 25 years ago at Candlestick, Frank and I sat freezing in the bleachers. Even though we were in the direct sun, we were shivering so pathetically that a Giants fan loaned us blankets. We had thoughtlessly braved the famously cold summer in San Francisco in shirt sleeves. These are just a few illustrations of Frank’s enthusiasm for sports. It was how he was with all the things he loved, e.g., reading and collecting the works of notable authors, stocking and sharing fine wines and beer with friends, eating out and seeing movies with Elaine, or staying home and watching favorite PBS dramas, visiting regularly with Rachel, Jennifer and their families, rough housing with his pet dogs, keeping an ever watchful eye on national politics and economic decisions, pulling close friends together for lunch and conversation, etc. What breaks through it all for me, is that Frank was genuinely himself. He lived his life honestly and at full throttle. Even though it was all good, there was nothing pretentious about him. He was just Frank. There is no better evidence of how special he was than his wife, his daughters, and his grand children. For them and for all of us he is an irreplaceable light gone out. We will always love and remember you Frank. Bob Hiner
I was privileged to be Frank’s roommate at UT Law School in Austin for a year. He was a fine fellow, intellectually curious and a wonderful man. He took the tough courses. I knewn Elaine from Victoria High School and she was perfect for him and he for her. Reading his accomplishments in the obituary, it’s obvious to me why he was such a success as an educator and, no doubt, friend to many.
They say that you can tell the essence of a person by what they leave behind. In Frank’s case – it was nothing short of amazing. He was a doting father, an awesome professor, a loving husband and great friend. I can’t remember a time in my life when he was not around – making wise cracks and enjoying life. I loved seeing him roam the halls and grounds at Texas Lutheran. I loved listening to his quick / dry sense of humor. I loved the natural curiously in his eyes. I loved seeing him and Elaine, Jennifer and Rachel at Blackacre on July 4th during the annual picnic. I loved hearing my dad, Bob Hiner, sharing the stories from the weekly breakfasts that the guys had…and the chuckles that only great, life-long friends know. Frank – you will be greatly missed. Thank you for all of the blessings that you so generously gave during your time with us. Until we meet again…
Dr. Giesber was such a great person. We would see him at many community events and he was always in good spirits. Our prayers are with the family that God will give you the grace to deal with his passing.
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and sympathy are with you.
Dr. Giesber was a great person with high intellect who taught many of us well. May he rest in peace.
Dr. Giesber was so much more than a mentor to me during my years at Texas Lutheran–he was a friend, advisor, and a great shoulder to lean on. I treasure the memories of the classes I had with him, and I appreciate the encouragement he provided for life’s direction. I (like so many) will carry my love and admiration for him to the end of my time. Thanks to the Giesber family for sharing such a kind and generous soul with us all.
Elaine and family & friends, Our deepest condolences. Love, paul martin
I am sorry to here of the news; if I had heard of it in time, I would have come to the service. I was one of his earliest Economic major students and he made the subject so interesting. When there were concepts I did not understand I would go to his office, up the steps in Old Main, and he would patiently and happily help me. He never tired of helping me and he has been a great inspiration to me and I know others too. While I remained in Seguin, it was always good to see the family in church.
Dr giesber was a true professor. His evaluations(tests) were always thorough but never tricky in their content. His lectures held your attention in even the most mundane of topics. He held to his opinions without a trace of ego. He was the quintessential academia not.
Dr giesber was a true professor. His evaluations(tests) were always thorough but never tricky in their content. His lectures held your attention in even the most mundane of topics. He held to his opinions without a trace of ego. He was the quintessential academia .
Dr giesber was a true professor. His evaluations(tests) were always thorough but never tricky in their content. His lectures held your attention in even the most mundane of topics. He held to his opinions without a trace of ego. He was the quintessential academian.
So sorry to hear of this loss–Frank was a real giant of the TLU community. I certainly remember him fondly for his perspectives on the deanship. He was always patient at the right times, and impatient when urgency was needed. He certainly had a profound understanding of TLU and Lutheran higher Ed. He knew how to relate to all faculty and staff. He lived a very admirable life.
As questions arise, I miss being able to ask Frank. He almost always had a ready, reasoned answer, whether about politics, economics, or sports! I appreciated his wit and wisdom. What a good friend and colleague. As dean he was confident, truthful, diplomatic, thoughtful, committed, and generous. He would present bottles of wine to those granted tenure or promotion. I even received occasional gift books and ‘philosophical’ t-shirts (“Doesn’t expecting the unexpected, make the unexpected the expected?”) for help on some faculty task or other. And, of course, he had articles I needed to read! I remember afternoon breaks out on a campus bench, sharing a diet Coke and talking about everything from economics to the Spurs. He bolstered my commitment to teaching and to the TLU community which he loved. All in all, he was a good friend, a good colleague and teacher, a good person—admired, respected, and loved. I miss him. Our love and support go out to Elaine and family.
It was a blessing to participate in the celebration of the life of my brother-in-law Frank Giesber. I remember talking with Frank soon after we received his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease I told him how sorry I was to hear this and that I was concerned about the difficulties that lay ahead. He simply replied, “Well, that’s the way things are we will just have to make the best of it.” and indeed he did! I never knew him to complain or feel sorry for himself. He did much more then make the best of it. One time when we were together in Seguin I said, “I sure would like to get some barbecue for lunch.” Frank said, “let’s go to Luling.” And to Luling we went. That was Frank! I’m sure that Elaine was often worn out by her willingness to do all the things that Frank wanted to do. Indeed Frank would want us to acknowledge Elaine for her loving care of him that did so much to enrich the quality of his life. And he would also want us to remind Rachel and Jennifer that he loved them, was proud of them, was grateful for his grandchildren and thankful for all of their support. We will all miss Frank. It is important for us to remember that although death ends a life, it does not end a relationship. Frank will always be a part of our lives as we remember him. We give thanks to God for the privilege of knowing him and sharing his life. And finally we release Frank to our Father’s loving embrace.
I went to Texas Lutheran intending to major in Political Science. After taking my first economics class from Dr. Giesber I changed my major to economics. I enjoyed the subject matter and his teaching just made sense. I got the opportunity to take several classes from Dr.Giesber and I always appreciated his clarity and humor. He told a joke about a can opener that I still tell today. (It just isn’t as funny to people who didn’t study economics though.) When his daughter, Jennifer, decided to come to TLC I knew she would be living very close to me in the dorms because I had a student job in the office that handled those assignments. When I told Dr. Giesber this, he seemed happy and a bit relieved. I think he was worried about his “little girl.” He never referred to her as that, but I definitely got the impression that he thought of me as a good person who he trusted to be around his daughter and make sure she was doing okay. That really meant a lot to me. Little did he know that his daughter would join our crazy sorority, Xi Tau, and would spend all sorts of time in my dorm room and later in my apartment. A few years ago, I decided to stop teaching, which I had done for fourteen years, and go to law school. When I contacted Dr. Giesber after all these years he was encouraging and kind. He agreed to write me a recommendation letter., and gave me advice about getting practical experience rather than overloading on coursework to graduate early. I have a little over two months left until graduation now, and I really appreciate his help. Dr. Giesber was always a kind, patient, supportive person. He never showed off or tried to get a lot of attention for himself. He just helped where he was needed, took responsibility, and genuinely cared about others without asking anything in return. I know it is so very hard for his family and loved ones to lose him. I pray that their memories bring comfort and strength to them at such a difficult time, and in the future. It is hard to lose someone so good, but it is a blessing to have been given such a person in our lives.
I was saddened to hear the news of Dr. Giesber. He was my mentor at TLC and was a wonderful person. I was not aware that “Tootsie” was his sister at the time I attended college, but Tootsie was my mentor in high school. I guess greatness runs in the family. I hope that all of the kind words that everyone is sharing helps bring comfort to the family. I cry not for the one who passed, I cry for the ones left behind. God Bless.
My deepest sympathies go out to Elaine, Rachel and Jennifer on the passing of Frank, a husband, a father and friend. I know we all are missing Frank now and I’d like to share a few of my memories of him. I first met Frank when he was one of my Dad’s students at TLU a.k.a. TLC. Being one of two sons of a TLU professor, my brother and I were accustomed to having college students around the house. Mostly I remember them as sitters, who watched over us when our parents were out. But Frank was different. First of all, we called him “Boogie” how cool was that? We learned later, that we should keep that to ourselves. But when he came over, we played football, or baseball, or basketball or ping pong. Boogie, I mean Frank, was really competitive when it came to sports. He loved to shoot baskets with us in the backyard. He seemed to take, let me say, great joy in making that jump shot over a couple of kids like us. I still remember how after a shot, he’d stand there like a statue with his left arm straight up over his head, his hand pointing at the basket like he was somehow willing that shot to go in. That must have made some impression on us, because recently, my brother and I both talked it. I’m not going to talk about our ping pong matches. Even though I don’t think we won a single game against him, I remember how much he enjoyed it and in turn, I guess, we did too. Frank and my Dad continued their friendship and over the years became colleagues. They roomed together at UT Austin while taking graduate courses. Elaine and Frank were fixtures in our lives. Our families have always been close. We visited Frank, Elaine and their dog, Duke, in La Grange. We suffered though sleepless nights there, mainly because of the tracks and midnight trains on one side of the house and the 18 wheelers downshifting to make the grade on Hwy 71 on the other. As I grew older, I worked at Blackacre, watering hundreds, no, probably thousands of Pecan trees during the hot summer. My brother and I hunted there and fished the Guadalupe. We spent a lot of time out at the Blackacre. Did you know that at one time the Blackacre had the largest documented pecan tree in all of Texas? I enjoyed hearing Frank’s stories about summer jobs he had. Especially the one construction job he got because he was the only guy who showed up to work who could type. The Construction Supervisor needed someone to type; Frank sheepishly raised his hand and spent the summer in the air-conditioned office typing invoices and purchase orders while his buddies were out in the heat with their shovels and pick axes. Frank knew how to work things to his advantage. As a student at TLU, I was also fortunate to take his Economics class and learn about the supply and demand curve, something about “guns and butter” and “no such thing as a free lunch”. To me, Frank was like a big brother. He was a friend, a mentor, a teacher; he cheered for me on the football field and supported me off the field. He’s “Boogie” and he always will be. While I haven’t lived close to Seguin for many years, I feel like I’ve remained close to Frank, Elaine and the girls through their good friends, my parents. I’ve enjoyed hearing about the successes of Rachel and Jennifer, their families, children and careers. When I’ve had the opportunity to chat with Frank and Elaine over the phone, their interest and enthusiasm about what’s happening with my family and career has always dominated our conversations. I mourn Frank’s passing, may he rest in peace. I’m thankful he was part of my life. I hope my remembrances of him and the times we shared together will provide some comfort to us all. B. Paul Baumbach: Class of ’73