Michael Phillip Gieschen, Jr.
Michael Gieschen, 35, of Mount Vernon, WA passed away peacefully, surrounded by his immediate family on Thursday July 24, 2025 at UW Medical Center in Seattle, WA. He is preceded in death by his grandmothers, Elaine Gieschen and Liviria Kline. Mike was born on December 27, 1989 in Coatesville, Pennsylvania to Michael & Patricia (Kline) Gieschen. He graduated from Downingtown High School in 2008 and received his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Penn State University in 2012. He went on to obtain his Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Colorado State University in 2016, after which he moved to Bellingham, WA for his dream job doing river restoration, and later obtained his License of Professional Engineering. Shortly thereafter he met and fell in love with Laurin Brown; they married in 2020. Laurin and Mike have one daughter, Lilly (20 months old).
Michael loved the outdoors. He fondly remembered childhood summers in Cape May, NJ and boating on Marsh Creek Lake in Chester County PA. Growing up he was very involved in Boy Scouts, completed three high adventure challenges, National Youth Leadership Training, became a proud Eagle Scout, and member of the Order of the Arrow. Before starting graduate school, he through hiked the Appalachian trail; 2,190 miles GA to ME in 4 months. He also enjoyed sailing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and mountain biking. He loved all Philadelphia sports teams, but especially the Eagles, Go Birds! Michael was a competitive card and board game player and also loved to read. Most of all he loved his home and family.
Michael is survived by his wife, Laurin Gieschen and their daughter Lilly Gieschen; grandfathers Thomas Kline (Pennsville, NJ) and David Gieschen (Pittsburg, PA), parents Michael & Patricia Gieschen (Mount Vernon, WA), sister Kara Gieschen (Olympia, WA), his mother-in-law Michelle Brown (Redmond, WA), as well as many close friends.
Michael was a kind and loving person. He had a brilliant mind, loved challenges, problem solving, and tackling major home projects with Laurin. He loved his family and his friends deeply. We will miss him and his gentle, loving ways greatly.
Donations in memory of Michael can be made to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy or The EHE Foundation - Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma. In lieu of flowers you are welcome to plant a tree in Michael’s honor. Dedicate trees in memory — International Tree Foundation.
A celebration of life will be held later, date to be determined.
Michael’s arrangements completed by our sister firm, Good Faith Cremation (Shelton, Washington).
