Delores Geiger

Delores "Babe" Stella Geiger, age 92 of Highland, IL, died Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Cedarhurst of Highland in Highland, IL.

She was born on Sunday, August 28, 1932, in Highland, IL, the daughter and only child of Wilbur and Estella (nee Frisse) Federer.

On Wednesday, December 30, 1953, she married Othmar Jerome "Ott" Geiger, who passed away on June 6, 1997.

Delores was born in Highland, Illinois and grew up on the family farm near Alhambra. She graduated St. Paul High School in 1950. She did bookkeeping and other farm work for Wilo Acres, the family’s purebred Duroc and dairy farm. As a mother to several students of the University of Illinois, she had a rare opportunity to be an active member of the University of Illinois Mom’s Association for 14 years, serving as Treasurer and on the Executive Committee. Her involvement also led to testimony before a US House subcommittee in support of Pell Grants.

Delores was active in her community: she was elected as Leef Township Clerk or Supervisor for over 20 years, and was a familiar face to those constituents, serving as a judge of elections for decades. Outside of recordkeeping on their own farm, she assisted other farmers via her part time work at Lincoln Farm Business Farm Management for nearly 40 years, retiring at age 82. Before family activities consumed their schedule, Delores and Ott enjoyed square dancing.

Later in life, she embraced international travel, including Europe, Australia and Hawaii. At home, she became an avid fan of Fighting Illini football and basketball. She was a member of Right to Life, the VFW Auxiliary, and Madison County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee. She worked seasonally at the Madison County Fair Office and was an annual volunteer at St. Paul Kirchenfest where the family donated a hog for the raffle.

Survivors include her sons Jerome (Becky) Geiger, Hendersonville, TN, Daniel Geiger, Highland, IL, Steve "Jake" (Dena) Geiger, Alhambra, IL, daughters Sue (Eric) Gray, Geneseo, IL, Barb (Dan) Schumacher, Buckley, IL, son-in-law Dave Yergler, Metamora, IL, 16 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ott, her father, Wilbur Federer, her mother, Estella Federer, and her daughter, Karen Yergler.

Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL and from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL, with Fr. Teddy Adukus, officiating.

Interment will be at Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Highland, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Illinois Foundation—College of ACES, and the Illinois Right to Life.

Obit Provided By:
Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home