Albert Wayne Gieseman, 98, of Grand Rapids, Michigan and Riverside, died on Feb. 12, 2026, surrounded by family. Born in Edwardsville, Illinois on March 19, 1927, he studied business, finance and accounting at Indiana University, graduating in 1949. He was active in the Accounting Club, the military collegiate honor society Scabbard & Blade, and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He subsequently earned an M.B.A. at the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business.
During his freshman year at Indiana University (1945), Indiana won its first Big Ten Conference football title, repeating that achievement in 1967. Indiana won its first ever National Championship in football during the 2025-26 season, a long-awaited development that he thoroughly enjoyed and applauded.
After graduating from college, he began his accounting career with a Chicago-based public accounting firm. He served as a lieutenant in the Army from 1951 to 1954, based primarily in Germany. His wife Dorothy joined him in Germany where their first child was born.
Following military service in Europe, he returned to Chicago, serving as the accountant for the University of Chicago Press. He transitioned to the Bursar’s Office in 1956, and was promoted several times. He was named Bursar in 1962 at age 35, managing an office of over 20 employees. He and Dorothy lived in Riverside where they raised four children. After retirement, he served on the Riverside Township Board of Trustees for more than 20 years.
He was a very positive person who cared deeply about people.
Preceding Wayne in death was his beloved wife, Dorothy M. (Ford) Gieseman. He is survived by his four children, Karin Gieseman Waterbury (Stephen), Albert W., John C. (Romina) and Amy E. Gieseman; his grandchildren, Aaron (Selena), Joseph, and Amanda Allietta and Andrea Gieseman. Also preceding Wayne in death were his two sisters, Helen M. Doenges and Marian C. Davis.
Gifts in honor of Wayne may be directed to Catholic Charities West Michigan or to Pillars Community Health, 5220 East Ave., Countryside, IL 60525.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in the Chapel of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, 215 Sheldon Boulevard SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 on Feb. 16.