Dennis Gesell Paintings

These are small watercolour paintings, or sometimes, pencil drawings, Dennis created for the front of birthday cards,
Which he gave to various family members, usually his Aunts.
All family members treasured these little drawings, and this is a sample that I have been able to gather up.
I think he was a very talented artist, and one of the smartest guys I have ever known.
I asked him years ago, when I was just a young boy, for a picture of a cowboy and a horse. He spent about half an hour, and with a pencil and paper produced a full stagecoach, with 4 horses, drivers etc. No idea what happened with that drawing, but it was amazing as a young kid to see that talent in front of my eyes.

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Dennis was born with a hip problem, that bothered him his whole life. He was a set of encyclopedias walking! He literally would sit in his bedroom when he was younger, and read the family Encyclopedia Brittanica set from end to end. He loved history. I tried over the years to get him into computers, so he could read more history articles. But sad to say, he never did.
When we went to Estevan to visit, we would take a drive to Roche Percee, or some local area. He was like having a tourist guide in the car on those trips. He knew all the history of the area.
Over the years he held a few jobs, working for Prairie Nursery; McLean Brothers, building fiberglass tubs; and also some Sign Painting. He was limited to doing most jobs with his hip problem.
Dennis attended school in Hirsch, Bienfait, and then ECI in Estevan. All were Schools where his dad was a Teacher.
They moved into their new family home on the edge of the valley at #1102 Valley St.

This house was Built by his dad, Edward (Ed) Gesell, in the School Yard in Hirsch SK, and moved to Estevan.
Gudrun and Dennis moved to Trinity Tower, Seniors Housing, when it was brand new.
When his mother Gudrun passed away, he moved to #44-916 Yardley Place, Estevan, where he was living when he died.
His Funeral Service was held on Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in Trinity Lutheran Church, Estevan, with Pastor Stewart Miller officiating

Holding a picture of his grandmother, Sonneva Hoium, nee Bothun

School Picture, Mar 2, 1958

Grad Picture from ECI Yearbook, 1959, “The Governor”

Obituary

Dennis Edmund Gesell
Dennis Gesell was born September 22, 1938 in Bienfait where his father Ed was teaching at Lignite. The times were stressful, especially for Dennis, who, at age 3, had to undergo a two-year absence from family for hip reconstruction at the Shriners Hospital in Winnipeg. He enjoyed his visits to the Haukeness/Lindgren farms and Christmas Eve was always special. On occasion he had to assume the role of Santa Claus, stuffed with pillows and ringing the cow bell to the delight of his younger cousins. The Gesell family always celebrated together on Christmas Day. Dennis was an observer content with his own thoughts; even with his limitations he took long walks and watched Mother Nature unfold around him. Employment was somewhat limited for him, working at Prairie Nurseries and short contract jobs during the summer months. He was also employed at times as a sign painter. His artistic skills - ever present - developed in pencil, pen, and water colours. Portraits and animals in pen and water colour were his specialties. Cartoons for the funny papers were drawn and published, but it's tough to gain recognition in the “art world.” His Aunts appreciated and were delighted by Dennis's hand drawn birthday cards. Dennis also maintained a life-long interest in geography and history. The family recognizes the support of Dennis's best friend, the late Ray Fieber, his AA sponsor and the special residents Mrs. Colbow and Mrs. Kirk of Yardley Place (for their kindness and support). Dennis passed away Sunday, January 22, 2012 at St. Joseph's Hospital. He was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Gudrun Gesell. Dennis is survived by his brother, Garry Gesell of Weyburn; his Aunts and Uncles: Dolly Backman (Estevan); Gladys (Haukeness) Lindgren, Estevan; Martha (Haukeness) and Erling Rothe, Estevan; Elvin Haukeness, Estevan; and Nell Hoium, Regina; and many cousins. Services were held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Estevan on January 26, 2012, officiated by Pastor Stewart Miller.​

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