Frank H. Giesen

Frank H. Giesen, 86, a long-time resident of Solon Springs, died December 12, 2018 following a long illness. Mr. Giesen was a co-founder of the Lucious Woods Performing Arts Center and worked tirelessly to support Douglas County. His efforts helped save the then-Murphy Oil refinery in Superior and bring Hidden Greens Golf Course to Solon Springs.

Mr. Giesen was born in Superior on October 5, 1932, the son of Irving and Tracy (née O’Donnell) Giesen. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1951 and Marquette University in 1955 with a degree in civil engineering. He married his high school sweetheart Mary Girouard, daughter of Joseph and Edna (née Hicks), on August 13, 1955.

Mr. Giesen was the former president and chief executive officer of Consoer, Townsend and Associates of Chicago. He led a range of public works projects from the 1950s through the 1990s. His specialty was wastewater treatment and during his career he oversaw numerous projects including the treatment facility in Duluth.

He joined Consoer Townsend as a junior engineer in 1955 in their Chicago office. He moved to Nashville in 1961. By the mid-1960s, he became the company’s youngest partner and headed the Nashville office.

Mr. Giesen left Nashville in 1980 to become president of Consoer Townsend. He served in that position until his retirement in 1990. During his tenure, Consoer Townsend completed the engineering work at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, in addition to numerous public works projects in the Chicago and Illinois.

After his retirement, Mr. Giesen returned to the area he loved, moving back to Solon Springs. He became active in promoting and developing Douglas County, Superior and Solon Springs.

He and his wife Mary combined their love of music and Solon Springs to start the Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center. Among his greatest joys was listening to the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra and other artists perform at the park.

Mr. Giesen also served as president of the Development Association, Inc., of Superior and Douglas County, where he worked to keep the Murphy Oil refinery in Superior. He served as a member of the board of directors of the Development Association from 2000 to 2006.

Mr. Giesen also served as president of Solon Springs Township and was a citizen representative to the Wild Trails Commission for Douglas, Washburn and Barron Counties.

He is survived by a daughter, Tracy (Don) Tredinnick, Savage, Minn., sons, David (Lauri) Giesen, Libertyville, Ill.; Stephen (Yvonne) Giesen, Pagosa Springs, Colo.; Robert (Linda) Giesen, Rogers, Ark.; Greg (Brenda) Giesen, Chesapeake, Virg.; a sister, Clare Giesen, New Orleans and 13 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary and daughter Mary Patrice Giesen-Lamm.

Visit will begin at 10:00 AM, Thursday, December 20, 2018, at St. Pius Catholic Church, 11651 BUS US-Hwy 53, Solon Springs, WI, and will continue until the 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial with Rev. Fr. James Kinney and Rev. Fr. Andrew Ricci concelebrating the Mass.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5 ^th Street, Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com .