Dennis Michael Giersch , 69, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2020. A life-long resident of Saline County, Dennis was born on May 5, 1950 and grew up on the Giersch Family Farm with his four brothers and three sisters. As a young man, he developed a life-long interest in hunting and fishing and was an active 4-Her, participating in folk dancing and raising cattle for the Saline County Fair each year.
Dennis graduated from Salina Central High School in 1968. He was an officer in the local Future Farmers of America chapter and competed in Cross Country and Track & Field. After high school, Dennis enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served at Camp Pendleton in California from 1968 to 1969.
Dennis was extremely hard-working and inspired others with his determination and dependability. He worked in the iron foundry at Wyatt Manufacturing and as a machinist at Great Plains Manufacturing for over 35 years. He also served as a Salina Journal delivery carrier for nearly 40 years. He had the longest tenure of any home delivery carrier at the Journal upon retirement and drove nearly a million miles throughout his career. He never missed a single day of his rural Ottawa County route, battling 12 foot tall snowdrifts, flat tires and the occasional deer to ensure each customer received their paper.
Dennis had a life-long passion for running and completed many notable distance runs in his youth, jogging from Salina to Hutchinson and even to Manhattan. He was eager to introduce others to the sport and often gifted friends and acquaintances with a new pair of running shoes so they could join him on his next run. He continued running in retirement and competed in dozens of 5ks, fun runs and races across Kansas. He was an enthusiastic motorcyclist and was active in the American Legion and American Legion Riders.
Dennis was a friend to everyone and eager to help both friends and strangers alike. He was a devoted father, brother and friend who will be missed immensely.
Dennis is survived by his daughter Sarah Shier; brothers Joseph, Richard, Stephen, and William (Bill); sisters Evangeline, Mary, and Annelle; nephews Tom, Tim, Joey, Kyle, and Patrick; niece Ashley; daughter’s mother Jane Shier and her son Mark, as well as many other family members, friends and loved ones. He is preceded in death by his parents; Carl and Nellie Giersch, and nephew; William Carl.
Visitation will be held at Ryan Mortuary on Friday, April 10, 2020 from 2-7 PM, followed by a private burial service at Shiloh Cemetery on Saturday, April 11, 2020. A public memorial service and celebration of life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Legion Riders (A.L.R.) Chapter 62, 1108 W. Crawford, Salina, KS 67401.