Francis Geisler
Alton |
Francis Howard Geisler, passed away Wednesday February 8, 2012. He was bord march 20, 1915, in Jersey County, Illinois, the son of the Late Fred and Elizabeth (Laubscher) Geisler. Preceded in death by his sister, Mary Geisler Wills, and his brothers, Fred and Raymond Geisler of Jerseyville, and Ralph Geisler of Dow. Mr. Geisler is survived by his wife, Alleyene (Lyerla) Hermes Geisler, his step children, Joyce and Harry Metcalf Meehan of St. Louis, MO, and Robert K. and Karen Davis of San Antonio, TX, Ronald Hermes of North Carolina, and Russell Hermes of St. Louis, MO as well as numerous grandchildren, nephews, and nieces. Mr. Geilser married late in life after caring for his widowed mother. He married the former Anna Rae Metcalf in 1970. She preceded him in death in 1996.
Francis retired from Ford Motor Company in Hazelwood, MO, in 1981 after 29 years as a pipefitter. Prior to working at Ford he worked at Shell Oil in Wood River and at Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton.
Francis remained active in Madison and Jersey County Democratic politics throughout his adult life. He served as Township Chairman of Jersey County, and later after moving to Alton, served as a committeeman. Francis’ fondest memory of his years in political service was when (then) Senator John F. Kennedy asked specifically to be introduced to Francis during a local campaign stop for President. Senator Kennedy had been told of Francis’ tireless campaign work and wanted to personally thank him.
In 2006 Francis celebrated his 50th year as a Mason, having received his lifetime membership in the Full Moon Lodge, Grafton, as well as being made an honorary member of the Franklin Lodge, Alton. He volunteered for many years as a Krazy Klown with the Ainad Shriners, helping raise money for the Shriner’s Hospital.
Francis was an active member for many years at Main Street Methodist Church in Alton. He was past president of their United Methodist Men, as well as past president of the Alton-Wood River Area Methodist Men. He held that office for three years. In addition to his many church-related activities, Francis was a certified lay speaker for Main Street Methodist Church for fourteen years, providing fellowship to smaller congregations at various Methodist churches and nursing homes throughout Madison and Jersey Counties. Francis took great joy in serving his Creator. In Recent years Francis became a member of the Salem Presbyterian Church in Alton.
Francis will be dearly missed by all who knew him and loved him especially by his wife and his stepchildren, Joyce and Bob. They will miss his love of the St. Louis Cardinals, his laughter, compassion, love of animals, and his unwavering faith.
In celebration of his life visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm on Friday February 10, 2012 at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Alton.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 am Saturday February 11, 2012 at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Alton with Rev. Janet Riley officiating.
Burial will follow at Valhalla Memorial Park, in Godfrey.
Memorials may be made to the Salem Presbyterian Church of Alton.
Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home