Mae I. Gieske, 87, of Austin, died at her home on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010.

Mae was born May 12, 1923, in Decorah, Iowa to Arthur and Louise (Barth) Kraby. She attended rural school in the Decorah area and at the age of 18, moved to Austin.

Mae married Walter DuBois Gieske on Oct. 5, 1947, at St.Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin.

Mae was a homemaker all of her life, but also worked and volunteered at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home in Austin and had been active in Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts during her children’s scouting years. She was a charter member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Austin and had been active in many church groups. Mae enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, reading and was a kind and caring friend to all. And above all, she deeply loved her family and was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Mae is survived by her children: Mary (James) LaRock, Kasson; John (Faye) Gieske, Prattville, Ala.; daughter-in-law, Rev. E. Marlene Pankonin Gieske, Onalaska, Wisc.; grandchildren: Jenna LaRock, Rochester; Jason (Melissa) LaRock, Kasson; Erik LaRock, Austin and Elizabeth Gieske, Mobile, Ala; great-grandchildren: Peter, Madison, Melia, and David LaRock; brother, Duwayne (Betty) Kraby, the Villages, FL; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Walter in 1994, son, David in 2008; two sisters and a brother.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Dec. 3, 2010, at 11 a.m. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church with the Reverend Glenn L. Monson officiating. Organist will be Janet Gilbertson and soloist will be the Reverend Dan Kahl. Visitation will be on Thursday at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary from 5 to 7 p.m. and at the church on Friday one hour before the service. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Casket bearers will be Jason LaRock, Erik LaRock, Doug Braaten, Terry Diggins, Kurt Potach, and Jack Erwin.

Memorials are preferred to Our Saviors Lutheran Church.