Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Obituary: John T. Geiger - Class of 1965

SPRING GREEN/MADISON - John T. Geiger, age 64, of Spring Green, passed away at home on Saturday, March 12, 2011, after a long illness.

John was born on Feb. 12, 1947, in Clearwater, Fla. He was united in marriage to Janet Wilke on Aug. 18, 1973. He was a graduate of Central High School in 1965; he also served in the U.S. Army. After graduating from Western Michigan University in 1974, John had a career with American Family Insurance for 37 years.

He was a mentor to many, especially his wife, children and grandchildren. His life revolved around his family and best friends. He had a passion for the outdoors, and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Physical fitness was very important to him. He exercised routinely and encouraged others to do the same.

Survivors are his loving wife, Janet; daughter, Julie (David) Marrou of Livermore, Colo.; son, Jordon Geiger (Stacy) of McFarland; five granddaughters, Taylor, Brooke, Ashlee, Sydney and Taylor; along with several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins; and very special friends, Bill Bissett, Rich DiSalvo, Tim Healy, Jan Hogan, Bruce Meier, David Earll and Cheri Connell, who showed love and support along the way.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer; son, Justin; and mother, Alberta Sue Geiger.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to UW Carbone Cancer Center, Madison and to Susan, Sue, YeVonne and all the caring people at Home Health United Hospice. Your kind and caring ways will always be remembered.

"John, Dad, Papa, Chief, Chico... we will miss you always. As you told us, we'll talk to you down the road."

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 19, 2011, at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., with the Rev. Dean Kirst officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home from noon until the time of service.

Memorials may be directed to UW Carbone Cancer Center, Attn. Kelly Sitkin, 600 Highland Ave. K4/658, Madison, WI 53792-6164; or Home Health United Hospice, 1111 8th St., Baraboo, WI 53913. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 15, 2011