William "Bill" Gieseke, 59, was born on January 23, 1966, in Chicago, Illinois. Bill entered his forever home early Sunday morning, May 4, 2025, at Norton Brownsboro Hospital, following a lengthy illness. Bill lit up every room he entered, bringing smiles, warm hugs, dance moves, and transforming a ho-hum moment into a party.

When he was an infant, Bill found family when he was adopted by Nancy and Jim Gieseke, who are both deceased. Later, a younger sister, Hope, rounded out the family, and became a light in Bill's life. Bill grew up in Shelby County, Kentucky, surrounded by rolling hills, horses, and love.

Bill found another family in Cedar Lake, when he became part of the Cedar Lake family on July 1, 1996. Bill lived in staff residences and at Cedar Lake Lodge, where he made his home from July 6, 2023, until his passing. Bill was active at Cedar Lake Enrichment Center, where he enjoyed working on art and working a job to earn his own money. Bill was also employed by Kroger. When Bill moved to Cedar Lake Lodge in 2023, he continued to enjoy working, serving as a valued member of the Housekeeping Team beside his best buddy, Wayne.

Bill was creative, enjoying painting. He often introduced himself as Bill Ross, as a nod to his favorite artist, Bob Ross. Bill loved Elvis Presley, rapping LL Cool J, Sir Mix-A-Lot, moonwalking, wrestling, hamburgers and french fries, and spending time with his buddy, Troy, in the man cave. Bill valued his faith and often wanted to pray for friends and family.

Bill made an unforgettable impact in the lives of the people he met, both inside and outside of the Cedar Lake Family. Bill leaves a sister, a treasured family friend, Vanessa Viers, and her husband, Dan Benningfield, and a big crew of Cedar Lake staff who became family.

All are invited to attend visitation and the service. His funeral service is 1:15pm Wednesday, May 14 at Cedar Lake Lodge, 3301 Jericho Rd, LaGrange. Visitation is after 11:00am until the time of the service. Burial will be at Grove Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville. Services will be conducted by Rev. Tara Clark, director of spiritual life at Cedar Lake.