Robert Hamilton Gietz, also known as Bob, passed away in Centralia, Washington on Oct. 17, 2022. Bob was born on Sept. 6, 1935, to Robert George Gietz and Bessie McBride Gietz in Laramie, Wyoming. He had three siblings: Mrgaretha, Anna and Janet.
Bob graduated from Laramie High School in 1952 and continued on to the University of Wyoming. He graduated in 1956 with a master’s degree in civil engineering. On April 13, 1955, Bob was married to Wilma Murry in Laramie, Wyoming. He later married Betheva Gietz on July 2, 1983 in Buena, Washington.
During his career as an engineer, he worked for Banner Engineers and the Washington State Department of Transportation. Bob’s other career was in the United States Army from which he retired as a master sergeant.
Bob lived his life with intentionality and passion. He always told his kids “leave a place better than you found it.” His passions included the outdoors and mountaineering, guns, and the outdoors. He was an active member of the Capitol City Gun Club, Puget Sound Fir Traders, the American Legion, Black Powder Rendezvous and Ducks Unlimited. As Bob leaves us, that is exactly how he lived his life.
He is preceded in death by his father Robert Gietz, mother Bessie Belle Gietz, sisters Margaretha Haviland and Anna Reeves, wife Wilma Gietz, wife Betheva Gietz, and son Dale Gietz.
Bob is survived by his children, Mark (Avalon) Gietz, Theresa (Mark) Dunn-Schaffer, Robert Dunn and Robert Kirk (Lynn) Gietz, as well as six grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank Providence Centralia Hospital nurses Brook, Erin and Teela; members of St Mark’s Lutheran Church; the staff at All Ways Care; and neighbors Michael and Tammy Cameret.
A memorial service will be held for Bob at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022, at Saint Mark’s Lutheran Church in Rochester. A viewing and visitation for Bob will be held at Sticklin Funeral Chapel from 2 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022. Bob will be laid to rest at Tahoma National Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022. All are welcome to attend.
