Arvin August Gieseke

Arvin A. Gieseke, 88, of Grand Forks, formerly Cass Lake, Minnesota, passed away at home Wednesday, August 5th, 2026.

Arvin was born September 3rd, 1937, at home in Rolling Green Township, Martin County, Minnesota, to Donald and Frieda (Detert) Gieseke. He was baptized on September 26th 1937, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Wilbert, MN, and later confirmed in his faith on July 8th, 1951, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Ceylon, MN. He graduated from Welcome High School in 1955. In February 1956, he entered the United States Air Force, where he served as an aircraft mechanic.

In September 1961, Arvin moved to Cass Lake, Minnesota, to work with his father, Don. During this time, he attended Immanuel Lutheran Church of Cass Lake, where he met the love of his life, Sharon Gangelhoff. They were united in marriage on June 19th, 1966, and were later blessed with two daughters, Debbie and Barb.

Arvin continually sought new opportunities, which led him to purchasing and running Gieseke LP Gas with the help of his family. While operating the business, Arvin worked multiple other jobs to provide for the family; among these, he served as assessor, clerk, and treasurer for Pike Bay Township. After ten years of running Gieseke LP Gas, Arvin and Sharon sold the business, but Arvin would remain an LP transport owner-operator until his retirement in 1999. Following retirement, he had part-time jobs to fill his time between traveling adventures.

Together, Arvin and Sharon had many traveling adventures across the country in their camper and fifth wheel. Their most memorable was driving along the Alaskan Highway from Canada to Alaska. They were also known to take their camper to visit family and friends, parking the camper in any backyard.

In his free time, Arvin enjoyed tending the garden, relaxing on the deck, and working with all things wood. He shared his eye for detail and woodworking abilities through building projects and repair jobs with both of his grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing, playing dominoes, and sitting around the campfire when the family was together.

Arvin was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran in Cass Lake for over 60 years and served the church in various capacities. He was also involved in the Cass Lake Lions for 45 years, where he held numerous roles. In 2022, was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow Award.

Arvin will be remembered for his willingness to lend a helping hand, whether it was snowblowing for a neighbor with the tractor, cutting down countless trees after every storm, or always mowing around the Cass Lake sign.

Arvin is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sharon; his daughters, Debbie (Danny) Forst, Roseau, MN; and their children, Gabe (Melissa) Carlson and Noah, Lino Lakes, MN, Kody (Whitley) Forst and children: Hadley, Kolter and Ledger, Strathcona, MN and Davis Forst, Badger MN; and Barb (Greg) Gangelhoff, Grand Forks, ND; their daughter, Alyssa Gangelhoff, Grand Forks, ND; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Frieda Gieseke; sister and brother-in-law, Arlyss and Dick Rosol.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider making a donation to the Michael Gangelhoff endowment fund at Concordia St. Paul, Immanuel Lutheran Church of Grand Forks, or the Cass Lake Lions.

A Memorial Service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church at 10:30am on Friday, August 14th, 2026. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will take place at Pine Grove Cemetery in Cass Lake at 3:00PM. Alvin's Memorial Service will be livestreamed by Immanuel Lutheran Church at: https://immanuelgf.org/