Joseph William Giel Sr.

Joe was born in Pittsburgh, Pa, on August 26, 1929 to Joseph S. and Ruth G. Giel. He graduated from North Catholic High School. In 1951, he was drafted into the Army. While stationed in Berlin, Germany he met the love of his life, Thea. After his tour of duty he returned to Pittsburgh, Pa. Then, deciding to complete his education, they moved to Fresno where he graduated from Fresno State University with a Bachelors Degree. He started his own business, with two other partners, Golden West Marketing, Inc.

Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He had a joyous spirit and enjoyed life. He will truly be missed by all the people he touched.

A special thanks and recognition goes to St Agnes Hospice and the caregivers of A-Plus Home Care for their outstanding and compassionate care. They were a blessing.

He is survived by his loving wife, Thea, of 58 wonderful years; and his three children, Gina DeVries and husband Larry, Cheryl Minugh and husband Wesley and Joseph Giel Jr. and wife Bev; six grandchildren, Tracy DeVries-Hipp, Taryn DeVries-Porter, Kevin Minugh, Keri Minugh, Amanda Giel, Joseph Giel, III; three great-grandchildren, Taylor, Rylee and Madison; his brother James C. Giel and three nieces.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home, on Friday, September 23, 2011 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society.