Franz Giegerl

Franz Giegerl

The family of Franz Giegerl is deeply saddened to announce his passing on at the age of 86 years. He was born March 2, 1934, in Eisbach, Austria, and passed January 14, 2021, in Wasilla, Alaska.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 35 years, Anuhea (Reimann); son, Armin, of Canada; and daughter, Erika (Peter), of Australia; as well as numerous relatives and friends around the globe.

He was predeceased by his loving parents, Stefanie and Johann Barlovits; grandparents, Vinzenz and Maria Giegerl; and uncles, Vinzenz, Franz, Josef and Johann.

During a virtual Celebration of Life held on March 6, 2021, family and friends from Germany to Australia, Canada to Hawai’i shared their stories about Franz and what he meant to them. Anuhea recounted one of her favorites:

“A favorite story about Franz’s memory was when he and I and Marcel and Christa had lunch at a local gasthaus in Deustchfeistritz. Across from our table were seated five men. While Marcel, Christa and I chatted. Franz kept his eye on the men. It didn’t take him long before he engaged conversation with them and what he said surprised us all, especially them since he hadn’t seen them in three or four decades. One by one Franz looked directly at each man at the table and told him who his family was, where they lived, in some cases who their parents and grandparents were, and named members of their family. While these men had no idea who Franz was, Franz delighted in their growing bewilderment. At first, Franz ignored their question ‘Wer sind Sie?’ until finally he said ‘Ich bin die Giegerl buam.’ Immediately, the light went off in their heads and one of them said ‘You’re the one who always got in trouble with the cops!’ The truth was out and I’d never heard it before. Later that day Franz’s mother confirmed with a tender smile that her son had in fact made frequent visits to the police station. Even today, that story cracks me up.”

Memorial donations are appreciated and may be made in Franz Giegerl’s name to Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska, Education Department, 777 N. Crusey Street, Wasilla, Alaska 99654.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Ancora Home Health Care and Hospice in Wasilla, Alaska, for their marvelous, heart-felt care and compassion.