Rainer Giesecke

PORTLAND – Rainer Giesecke passed peacefully on April 21, 2021 in the presence of family.

Son of Kate and Heinz, born Feb. 17, 1943 in East Germany. He grew up in Hamburg and immigrated at the age of 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 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 1, 1 p.m. at Grace Bible Church, 74 Deering Rd., Gorham. Masks required for COVID precautions.

Online condolences and memories can be posted at http://www.mainefuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to

Grace Bible Church

P.O. Box 698,

Gorham, ME 04038.