Trending
John Carl Giesmann, 76, of Bethany, WV, passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Wheeling Hospital after a short battle with cancer.
John was born on April 17, 1950 in Grove City, PA, the son of the late Carl L. Giesmann and Mildred A. (White) Giesmann. John graduated from Grove City High School and studied mathematics at Westminster College, where he was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame for middle distance running. He earned his master's degree in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green University which led to a fulfilling career in college administration: at Bethany College for 25 years, primarily as Registrar, then 12.5 years at West Liberty University. John married Susan in 1987, and together they were committed to church, community, and family.
John's life was anchored in his love for Jesus. He spent much time in God's Word for personal devotions, in study for teaching Sunday School, and to always be ready to share what he believed. He thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship of the church family at Wellsburg Church of the Nazarene where he was a member, and formerly at Brooke Hills Free Methodist Church. He was particularly committed to Tri-State Family Camp, Men's Prayer Breakfast, and the Lunch Bunch. John saw the Image of God in everyone and strived to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Many will remember John for his love and dedication to community activities. He found joy in soccer. He kept score for and traveled with the Bethany College men's team for many years, he served as President of the Brooke County Soccer Club, and he enjoyed coaching and later following his own children's teams. John's theatrical personality occasionally found its place on stage, beginning as the Narrator in Our Town at Grove City High School, and later, at Brooke Hills Playhouse and in Vacation Bible School skits. John was a lifelong learner, regularly attending lectures through Lunch with Books at the Ohio County Public Library and the Institute for Faith and Freedom at Grove City College, where his children attended. He and Susan were students of history, learning through travel in places such as Boston, Normandy, France, and Greece and Turkey, where they retraced the voyages of the Apostle Paul.
John touched countless lives and will be deeply missed by his family, friends, church family, and neighbors. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, steadfast friend, and faithful Christian. His loved ones take comfort in knowing that John is now in the presence of his Lord and personal Savior, Jesus Christ.
John is survived by his wife of 39 years, Susan Lynn (Kallquist) Giesmann, two children, Matthew Carl Giesmann (Amber) of Boston, and Anna Rebecca Li (William) of Long Island, four grandchildren, Lucas Carl Giesmann (4), Micah Aaron Giesmann (1), Sylvia Grace Li (4) and Caleb Francis Li (10 months), a sister, Lois Strycula (John), sister-in-law, MaryEllen Hall, brother-in-law, William Kallquist (Christine), and ten nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will be received on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 11:00 AM until the time of the Memorial Service at 12:00 PM at the Wellsburg Church of the Nazarene, Wellsburg, WV, with Pastor Brian Knight officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Giesmann Scholarship at Grove City College, c/o Chambers Funeral Home, 1030 Main Street, Wellsburg, WV 26070, honoring John’s lifelong connection to the college, his family heritage, and his commitment to education.
The family-owned Chambers Funeral Home of Wellsburg, WV (304) 737-3551 is honored and privileged to serve the family as they gather to celebrate John’s life and his lasting testimony of faith at the Wellsburg Church of the Nazarene. Private interment will be held at Franklin Cemetery, Wellsburg, WV.
Please add or view condolences, photos, and stories at www.chambersandjames.com.