Henry "Hank" Gietzen

Henry Peter Gietzen (Hank) departed this world on Thursday, September 7, 2017.  He was a resident of Davis for the last 30 years, having moved from Roseville where he had resided for 29 years.  He was a veteran of the Korean War, having served in the Navy.   Hank was born in Sacramento on June 25th, 1931, was raised in Auburn, and graduated from San Jose State University with a bachelor’s degree.  He worked in computing from its infancy, starting as a programmer in 1958, moving to management with the state of California for the majority of his career.  His major focus with the state was the establishment of networks in support of law enforcement where he was instrumental in designing the current systems that all law enforcement in the state uses today.   He was very proud of the work he did, often relating many stories of the people he met and decisions made.

Hank served on the board of directors for Roseville Hospital when it was publicly owned.

Hank loved sports, not just watching, but participating.  He was an avid skier, having skied competitively in high school and college.  He enjoyed tennis, water skiing, and golf as well.

He is survived by his spouse of 64 years, Dorothy W. Gietzen.

Hank and Dorothy loved opera and travel.  They saw most of the world together, travelling many times with family and friends, as well as accompanying Dorothy on her working trips after he retired.

Hank and Dorothy had five children.   He is survived by 3 of them:  Keith, Christopher, and Cindy.

There are 13 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren surviving him.

Services will be held on Saturday, September 17, at the Smith Funeral Home, 116 “D” St. Davis at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.