Graham Lawrence Giegler, Jr. known to most as Larry, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2024, at Horizon Senior Living in Gladwin. Born on July 17, 1935, in Webberville, Michigan, to Graham Lawrence Giegler Sr. and Kathleen (Risch) Giegler. Larry’s journey began as a graduate of Howell High School in 1953, after which he attended Michigan Agricultural College. His studies were interrupted when he was called to serve in the Army from 1955 to 1957, spending much of his time stationed in Germany, a place he grew to love. Upon his honorable discharge, Larry returned to the Howell area where he and his first wife raised his beloved children Brigette & Richard (Rick) Carey of Buckeye, AZ, Gordon (Gordie) Giegler of Brighton, MI, Bernard (Bud) & Jeannine Giegler of Cypress, TX, and Dean Giegler of Marion, IA, who survive him. Larry worked as an insurance adjuster for AAA Insurance until he bought a farm in Gladwin in 1967.
On October 14, 1971, Larry married Viola (Wolfe), and together they shared 47 years of marriage until her passing on March 26, 2019. Together, they had a daughter, Michelle (Jeff) Jackson of Palmyra, MI. who survives him. Viola was a widow when they met and she brought her two children into their family, Cal (Karen) Robertson of New Bern, NC, and Deb (Reg) Foerch of Lansing, MI. who survive him.
Larry married Pauline (Sturgis) in 2020, who survives him. Pauline has five children from her previous marriage, Douglas (Marisol) Poole, David (Kelly) Poole, Donald Sturgis, Cynthia (Scott) Grenlund, and Daniel (Kim) Sturgis.
Larry’s legacy continues through his grandchildren: Kristyne Carey, Brian Carey, Stephanie (Danny) Koenig, Jennifer Giegler, Jarad Giegler, Adam Giegler, Kayla (Tyler) Shonts, Michael (Beth) Wesley, Heather Wesley (Michael Nafus), Heidi (Mark) Wesley-Hartman, Sarah Robertson, Lisa Robertson, Daniel Jackson, and Scott Jackson. The joy of his life extended to his 11 great-grandchildren, who will carry forward his spirit.
Larry’s sisters, Doris Kenyon and Jeanette (Jim) Freeland, also survive him, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife Viola, his brothers Frank and Sam, and his sister Jeanne.
Larry’s early years were spent as a horse trainer for quarter horse racehorses, boasting several big winners. His passion for horses was evident in his skill as a bareback bronc rider in rodeos during high school and college. He was also known for performing tricks on horses and with a lariat rope. Larry returned to his roots in agriculture, where he, along with his wife, Viola and daughter, Michelle, milked dairy cows and raised crops from 1976 to 1991. Later, he continued as a crop farmer and maintained a lifelong presence of horses in his life, often fixing up buggies and participating in parades.
Larry was very active in the Farm Bureau of Gladwin County, contributing to the agricultural community with the same passion he had for his own farm. His knowledge of horses and farming was vast, and he was always willing to share it with others.
His presence was a gift to all who knew him, and his memory will be treasured by his family and the many lives he touched. Larry’s legacy in his family, his community, and the land will continue to inspire all who remember him.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday June 1, 2024 at 2 pm from the Emmanuel Baptist Church on Pratt Lake Rd. with Pastor Joe Dorias presiding with burial and military honors at McClure Cemetery. Family will greet friends and relatives from 12:00 pm until time of services.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Horizon Senior Living or Gladwin County Farm Bureau.
Arrangements are entrusted to Lee-Ramsay Funeral Home-Gladwin Chapel.
