Michael William Giesinger

September 25, 1963 – July 15, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael William Giesinger, who died peacefully on July 15, 2026, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by the people who loved him most, at the age of 62.

Michael was born on September 25, 1963, in Calgary, Alberta. He grew up between Redcliff, Alberta, and Prince George, British Columbia, before moving to Edmonton as a young man. It was there, while working as a boiler operator at Northgate Mall, that he met the love of his life, Karen. They married in 1988 and shared 38 years together.

Over his working life, Mike went from boiler operator at Northgate Mall to boiler operator and head custodian at Calder School — where his own boys, Randy and Ryan, attended elementary. He later moved into purchasing and had a brief but memorable stint working alongside his son Randy in the oilsands, before settling into a calmer environment for the remainder of his career. And for anyone who knew him back in those Calder days, yes, he kept the mustache and never did stop wearing the plaid shirts.

Mike was a man of wide passions and deep loyalty. He took endless pride in his lifelong hobby of Jeeps, a love that never faded, no matter how much trouble they gave him. He was a published author, penning his own book, Space Nation, an avid outdoorsman, a space junkie, a military history buff, and a devoted, lifelong Star Trek fanatic, as anyone who knew him could tell you. He also never missed an opportunity for a good dad joke, delivering each one with pride even as everyone around him rolled their eyes.

Above all, Mike was someone who would do anything for anyone if he could help. That was simply who he was.

When he became a grandfather, he stepped into the role like he was born for it and loved every minute of it. His granddaughters, Avery and Kinsley, were his pride and joy. He passed on to them his love of Jeeps, space, and all things wonderfully nerdy, and they adored him for exactly who he was. He could never say no to those two, no matter what they asked; and anyone who knew him is fairly certain that if they’d asked for a pony, he’d have found a way to oblige. He was endlessly proud of them and felt lucky every day to be their grandfather.

Michael is survived by his wife, Karen; his sons, Randy and Ryan; his cherished granddaughters, Avery and Kinsley; his sisters, Michelle (Neil) Hulbert, Tannis Giesinger, and Tara Giesinger; his sister-in-law, Sandra (Joe) Smith; and his nieces and nephews, Bradley (Morgan), Erin, Shayleen, Michael, Andrew, Ashley,  Matthew and stepbrother Doug Remple.

He was predeceased by his parents, Marvin Giesinger and Sharon Paliuk, and his stepparents, Doug Jacobsen and Gwen Penner.

A lover of the stars and the vast possibilities of the universe his whole life, Mike now takes his place among them. Ad astra.

A Celebration of Mike’s life will be held, details to come.