Mary Katherine Giesing, age 86, of 4014 Pine Ridge Drive, died on Friday, December 28, 2012 in Blessing Hospital. She was born on July 5, 1926 in Niantic, IL the daughter of Henry and Emma (Arnold) Derhake. She married Robert L. Giesing on April 3, 1948 in St. Francis Catholic Church Rectory. He preceded her in death on July 12, 2011.

Along with her husband Bob, Mary received their Vail Award from the Illinois Bell Telephone Company for saving the life of a man drowning in the Mississippi River.

Mary enjoyed boating. She was also a member of the Quincy Boat Club, South Side Boat Club, the Island Club, and the Elks.

She is survived by a son, Gregory A. Giesing and his wife Mildred of Petersburg, TN, a brother: Carl H. Derhake and his wife Sandra of Quincy and a sister: Judith Babcock and her husband Russell of Salt Lake City, Utah. Numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.

In addition to her husband, Mary was also preceded in death by her parents and 2 sisters: Ruth Kuhlman and Helen Mann.

Funeral services are scheduled for Monday, December 31, 2012 at 1:00 PM in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Inurnment in Calvary Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held on Monday from 12:00 noon until the time of the services. Memorials may be made to the Blessing Cancer Center or to the Alzheimer’s Association of Adams County.