Gerald "Gerry" G. Grieser

Gerald G. Grieser of Hurst died on August 25, 2023.  He was 82.

Gerry was born in Eureka, Illinois on March 28, 1941 to Wayne Grieser and Eleanor (Fosdick) Grieser.  He grew up on a farm and enjoyed helping in his father’s Purina feed store.  After graduating high school, he went on to Illinois State University for 2 years.  He returned home to work after the death of his father, before enrolling at the University of Illinois.  At U of I he met the two main loves of his life: his wife of 57 years, Carolyn, and flying. After graduation in 1965, he joined the Navy, where he taught formation flying in the T28 and flew patrol in the Vietnam War.  He earned the rank of Lieutenant before being honorably discharged after five years of service. He then joined Delta Airlines as a pilot based out of DFW airport, bringing the Griesers to Texas.  During his first many years at Delta he also worked as a realtor at Stimmel and Company.  Gerry was very active in his children's lives, choosing his flight schedule to be able to attend band contests, dance recitals, and other important events.  He flew for Delta airlines for 27 years, with a fulfilling career, retiring in 1996 as Captain on the 727. He was a proud grandpa of 2 grandsons and 3 granddaughters.

Gerry had numerous talents and interests. He particularly enjoyed volunteering and serving the community.  He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth, volunteering in many capacities, including as a cameraman for the TV ministry program.  He enjoyed 20 years as an active member of the Hurst Citizens on Patrol (C.O.P.S.) program, proudly volunteering for over 2,000 hours. He was a charter member of the Hurst Senior Advisory Committee and was on the board for 5 years.  He was Co-Captain for the Hurst Neighborhood Crime Watch.  He also volunteered for many years with Santa USA as a photographer. He was a member of the Delta Retired Pilots 60th "Bum" Group. He enjoyed woodworking and general repairs, and often used these hobbies to help fix all sorts of things for many people and organizations. 

Gerry is survived by his wife, Carolyn Grieser; his son and daughter-in-law Mark and Nicole Grieser and grandsons Max and Grant, of Carrollton, TX; his daughter and son-in-law Rebecca and James Isbell and granddaughters Lauren, Emily, and Madeline of Briarcliff Manor, NY; his brother and sister-in-law Wallace and Andrea Grieser, of Buffalo, NY; and many nieces and nephews.  

Gerry was preceded in death by his parents.

Services celebrating the life of Gerry Grieser will include visitation on Wednesday, August 30th from 4-6pm at Forest Ridge Funeral Home, 8525 Mid Cities Blvd, North Richland Hills, TX and funeral service on Thursday, August 31st at 10am at the First United Church of Forth Worth, 800 W Fifth St, Fort Worth, TX.  Burial will be on a later date at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas.  

Memorial donations may be made to Dementia Friendly Fort Worth, www.dffw.org, or a charity of the donor’s choice.