Olen "Pete" Glee Van Gieson, son of John Maurice and Nancy Ann (Yeager) Van Gieson, was born September 26, 1917 at home near Belmont, Kansas. He passed away Sunday, November 26, 2017 at Wheatlands Health Care Center in Kingman, Kansas at the age of 100 years and 2 months. He lived his entire life in Kingman County.

Pete married Ruth Brooks on December 20, 1935 in Norwich, Kansas. They were blessed with three children: Harley (Marilyn) Van Gieson, Janet (Charles) Doze, and Beverly Miller; 11 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren, 21 great-great grandchildren; and 3 great-great-great grandchildren.

Living over 100 years, Pete has seen many changes. His first car was a Model T Ford. He was a farmer throughout the many generations and evolution of farm equipment. Pete started with a one bottom plow behind horses and lived to see Harley farming with gas-powered tractors and equipment. He enjoyed climbing into the tractors in his later years to help Harley rake hay. Pete also had cattle, goats, and sheep.

After moving east of Adams, Pete would drive to Suppes for breakfast and back for afternoon coffee every day. He enjoyed going there and drinking coffee with his friends. We thank you all for making him feel so welcome at Suppes. He was still able to drive there on his 99th birthday.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, John and Nancy; sister, Leona Martin; 4 brothers: Virgil, Elton, Elwood, and Samuel; 1 granddaughter, Mary Kay Barnes; 1 son-in-law, Vernon Miller; and 3 great-grandchildren.

Visitation is from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Funeral is at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Harper. Interment will follow at the Upchurch Cemetery in rural Norwich, Kansas.

Memorials can be made to Norwich Fire & EMS or to Wheatlands Health Care Center and can be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 613 W 14th ~ Harper, Kansas 67058 is in charge of the arrangements.