Gerald “Pete” Geislinger of Watkins died Friday, Dec. 5, 2003, at Fairview-University Hospital in Minneapolis. He was 68.
Mass of Christian Burial was at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Watkins with Rev. John Brunner officiating. Interment followed in the parish cemetery. Friends called from 4-9 p.m. Tuesday, and from 8-10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Ertl Funeral Home in Watkins. Parish prayers were at 5 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home followed by Catholic Order of Foresters rosary at 7 p.m. and Legion Post #453 prayers at 8 p.m.
Gerald Geislinger was born in St. Paul to Frank and Esther (Looman) Geislinger. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957. Aug. 27, 1958, Gerald married Ruth Meyer at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in St. Nicholas. Gerald worked at the Watkins Creamery and was then employed as a truck driver by Bush Iron and Metal in Minneapolis for a few years. In 1963, Gerald and Ruth purchased a farm near Watkins where they farmed until health difficulties forced Gerald to retire. Gerald was a member of the Watkins Legion Post #453 and a long-time member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, serving as their treasurer since 1965. On Feb. 3, 1999, Gerald received a lung transplant at the University of Minnesota Hospital which gave him a second chance at life. He enjoyed this time by playing cards with his friends, playing computer games, and watching Westerns on TV.
Gerald was preceded in death by his mother Esther and a sister in infancy, Carol.
He is survived by his wife Ruth Geislinger of Watkins; children and their spouses, Dale (and Jennifer) Geislinger of Norwich, N.Y., Pam (and John) Erickson of Litchfield, Sandy (and Bruce) Ruprecht of Cold Spring, Mark (and Roxy) Geislinger of Watkins, Dave (and Sarah) Geislinger of Kimball; nine grandchildren; his father Frank Geislinger of Watkins; and brothers, sisters and their spouses, Joan (and Will) Nistler of Maple Grove, Mary (and Roger) Mies of Hutchinson, Kenneth nButchi Geislinger of Watkins, and Ronald “Rabbit” (and Glo) Geislinger of Watkins.
Music was provided by Kathy Pauls. Casket bearers were Gerald’s five children and grandson Tanner Ruprecht.
