Gerald Alfred Niesen, 84, passed away on Wednesday, December 5, 2018, at his home in Lompoc, California. Gerald was born on June 18, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois, to John and Florence Niesen.

Gerald earned his Bachelor's Degree from Notre Dame and earned his Master's Degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara. He joined the United States Army in 1957 and was honorably discharged in 1958, earning the rank of Private First Class. He worked in the aerospace industry as a computer engineer, and his career spanned 35 years. His interests were professional photography, prayer groups, prison ministry, jazz bands, dancing, car shows, traveling, horseback riding, and antiquing any great opportunity.

Gerald was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years Marianne in 2008. He also was preceded in death by his parents John and Florence Niesen. He is survived by his daughter Andrea (Niesen) Stammreich and John Stammreich, San Pedro, California, granddaughters AnneMarie and Violet; daughter Barbara Niesen-Burkhart and Joseph Burkhart, Costa Mesa, California; and daughter Joan Niesen of Lompoc and granddaughter Stefani. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters Rosemary Sprague, Chicago Heights, Illinois, John Niesen, Traverse City, Michigan, Sister Margaret Niesen, Donaldson, Illinois, and Ruth Martinez, Chicago Heights, Illinois.

A memorial mass will be held at La Purisima Catholic Church in Lompoc on Monday, December 17, 2018, at 10 am. Burial will follow the mass at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery.