Portland - Rainer Giesecke (1943 - 2021) passed peacefully on April 21, 2021 in the presence of family. Son of Kate and Heinz, born February 17, 1943 in East Germany. He grew up in Hamburg and immigrated at age 18 to Boston. Married former wife Millie Whittemore in 1969 and moved to Maine to become Manager at Jordan Marsh. Over the years, lived in Scarborough, raised two sons, worked on the Scarborough Rescue, was active in Scarborough Little League and youth soccer. He joined the staff of Grace Bible Church and managed the Grace Home, a homeless shelter in Portland. He traveled often to India to support native ministries and help found a children's home in Guntur. He valued his many ties in India and often hosted Indian friends here in Maine. He loved to travel and went often to Europe to visit family. In 2001, married Nina Mudliar of India. He devoted half his life to serving God through his work with the church and considered every member his extended family. Above all, nothing brought him more joy than being “Opa” to his grandchildren. Rainer’s life was his family and friends, who will remember him for his love, generosity, and humor. Survived by his wife Nina, son Chris and his wife Susan, son Matt and his wife Shereen, grandchildren Brady, Kayla, Alexandra and Riley, sister Edith and her husband Wolfgang, niece Sylvia and her husband Thomas and other beloved family in Germany. A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, May 1st, 1:00pm at Grace Bible Church, 74 Deering Road, Gorham. Masks required for COVID precautions. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the church at PO Box 698, Gorham, ME 04038. Online condolences and memories can be posted at www.mainefuneral.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com