Dave Riebeling
I have the fondest memories of Gig -- everywhere I looked around St. Paul UCC, when I was a young kid, Gig was always there, with a huge smile on his face. Rev. David F. Riebeling
Birth date: Dec 31, 1925 Death date: Nov 5, 2017
Walter W. Giffhorn, 91 years, of Columbia, IL, passed away on November 5, 2017. He was born December 31, 1925, in Columbia, IL, son of the late Walter F. and Alvina, nee Reichenbach, Giffhorn. He was married to Carol H., nee Harre Read Obituary
I have the fondest memories of Gig -- everywhere I looked around St. Paul UCC, when I was a young kid, Gig was always there, with a huge smile on his face. Rev. David F. Riebeling
I remember many Sunday school lessons with Gig in St. Paul UCC’s third floor class confirmation class. He was a role model for me because of his warm, lighthearted demeanor and deep knowledge of the faith. You are missed, Gig. You lived a good and selfless life.
A great man and Christian role model; may God rest his soul.
WILL NEVER FORGET HIS FACE AND SMILE! WHAT A TREASURE WE HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO SHARE!!!!
WITH LOVE-
LOLLY AND RON GLENN
Gig's joyful smile was always one of the things I looked forward to seeing every time I came into my confirmation class so many years ago. Even though my class could have been the one to break him, he was patient, kind and always ready with a story or joke. It is a blessing my nephews also had the pleasure of knowing and learning from him. Thank you for sharing your gem with us... We are all better for have known him.
"Gig was such a blessing to all who were blessed to have crossed paths with him. He was so good to me as an Associate Pastor - and in my first calling too. I'll never forget him sticking up for confirmands that others in the church thought shouldn't have been confirmed...saying "you never know when that kid will look back on it all and say 'I know that God loves me'." When one class experienced tragedy with a death in their class - Gig was right there for them - walking that last mile as they said their final goodbyes to their classmate and friend. I was blessed to know him!"
Rev. Kim (Kelly) Brinkmann
Carol, Greg, Gigi and family I will always your Gigs giggles and his faith in Christ. Will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you!!!
Gig was an inspiration while I was teaching Sunday School at St. Paul. Kind and generous, never judgmental. He was one of the links on the anchor which kept me connected to God as I transitioned from Seminary to Ordination. Peace. May his memory sustain each of us who grieves. Rev Donald D Jones
Gig was one of my Sunday school teachers at St. Paul's. I enjoyed knowing him a lot. A high point of one of my trips home was sitting with him at church, several years ago. What a delightful person, and how fortunate we all were to know him.
What a touching tribute to a great man.He instilled his faith, hard work ethic, loyalty and sense of humor in his children - two amazing people Gigi and Gregg. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We hope to see you over the holidays and toast his memory together.
