Walter 'Gig' Giffhorn's Obituary
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 Harres, Giffhorn, who survives him. They were married October 12, 1957, in Columbia, IL.
Walter “Gig” Giffhorn loved life and was always happy. As a young child, his family gave him the pet name of “Giggles” and the nickname “Gig” followed him through the years. He loved his family, his church and especially his St. Paul United Church of Christ Sunday School confirmation class. For more than 60 years, he shared his faith with young people every Sunday morning.
A military veteran; he served in the United States Navy. He was employed as a Professional Civil Engineer at Luhr Bros. in Columbia, which gave him the opportunity to work on many interesting projects. Even after retirement from Luhr Bros., he continued his work on the Monroe County Planning Commission and Land Use, Habitat for Humanity and was recently on the board of Uni-Press Kindercottage in East St. Louis.
His spare time was spent playing golf at the Waterloo Country Club where he was the oldest living member, interesting travels to dog shows, as well as a recent trip to Europe cruising the Danube River. A sports lover, he followed local sports including the Columbia Eagles, Blues, Cardinals and his alma mater the University of Illinois Fighting Illini.
Gig will remembered by those that knew him for his firm handshake and genuine care for all.
Also, surviving are his son, Gregory Giffhorn of Columbia, IL; daughter, Gretchen 'Gigi' (Brent) Abbott of Columbia, IL; step-granddaughter, Kirstie (Jason) Corder of Henderson, NV; two step-great grandchildren, Eirinn and Finn Corder, along with other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be Thursday, November 9, 2017, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Lawlor Funeral Home, Columbia, IL, and Friday, November 10, 10:00 am - 11:00 am, at St. Paul United Church of Christ Church, Columbia, IL. Memorial Services will be held Friday at 11:00 am at church, with Pastor Bob Goddard officiating. Cremation will be held.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to: Kindercottage, or St. Paul United Church of Christ, 127 N. St. Paul, Columbia, IL, 62236. For more information, please access our website, www.leesmanfuneralhome.com.
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