Miriam Giese

On Thursday, Sept. 24, 2022, Miriam Giese, loving mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend died at the age of 93. Miriam was born to George and Nora Graham in 1929 in Webber, Kan. The family soon moved from the farm near Webber to Man- kato.Miriam graduated from Mankato High School in 1947. She studied music at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kan., and met Charles Lawson there. They were married in August of 1948. Together they raised three children: Charla, Graham and Chris. Charles died in 1987. In 1998, Miriam married Clarence Giese. They were together until 2004 when Clarence died.

Miriam was a piano teacher in her home throughout her life and played piano and organ in church, starting with the Methodist Church in Mankato when she was 16 years old. She eventually got her bachelor's degree in education with a minor in organ from Friends University in Wichita, Kan. Miriam retired as a professional church organist after 70 years.

Miriam's generosity, sense of humor and loving nature brought her many lifelong friends. She was active and volunteered countless hours in her community and at church. She will be dearly missed by all.

Miriam was preceded in death by her mother, father, three brothers and older sister, Vera Walker. Vera helped her father raise Miriam and the two sisters were very close until Vera's death in 2018. Miriam is survived by her children, Charla (Marty), Graham, Chris (Donna); grandson, Garrett McGaugh (Jessica); grandaughter, Tori Roybal (Matt); great-grandchildren, Clarence's children, Elaine, Douglas and Bruce; as well as nieces and cousins.

Her funeral is at 2 p.m., today (Thursday, Oct. 13) at First Congregational Church, 20 East St. Vrain Street, Colorado Springs, Colo. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to First Congregational Church at the address above in memory of Miriam Giese.