Donald F. Geiger, 87

Donald F. Geiger, age 87, of New Prague, died suddenly at his home with his wife at his side on Saturday, November 6, 2021.  Don was born on July 10, 1934 in Jordan to Elmer H. and Alvina M. (Peters) Geiger.  He attended St. Joseph Parochial School and grew up on the family farm.  He married the love of his life, Dorothy M. Ziskovsky on May 21, 1955 in Veseli at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church.  Don was a member of the Army Reserves for 6 years.  He worked at Ballinger Dairy before joining the construction trades.  A jack-of-all-trades, Don could tackle any task given him.  In 1969 he became indispensible at St. Wenceslaus Church as the chief custodian and maintenance person for 28 years, retiring in 2002.  Don is a member of the Knights of Columbus.  Known as a jokester, Don loved nothing more than playful teasing.  He enjoyed life in general and particularly enjoyed gardening, cards with his friends at Philipp Square and a frequent brisk walk.  He was passionate about fishing and he and Dorothy traveled up to Park Rapids every year with a group of 4 couples faithfully for the past 40 years.  His greatest joy came in spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, to whom he was know as “Papa”  and he looked forward to birthdays and anniversaries because it meant precious time with family.

Don is survived by his wife of 66 years, Dorothy of New Prague; children, Ken (Karen) of Northfield, Allan (Kathy) of Savage, Bonnie (Terry) Hagstrom of Stacy, David (Carol) of Sugar Grove, IL; siblings, Le Roy (Jean) Geiger and Jim (Sharon) Geiger both of New Prague, Carol Ann (Bill) Turner-Peterson of Pine Island, FL; sister-in-law, Carol Ziskovsky of New Prague; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Rosemary Von Bank.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at 11:30 AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father George Grafsky officiating.  Visitation will take place prior to Mass from 9 – 11 AM at Bruzek Funeral Home.  Masks strongly recommended at both places.  Burial will take place after Mass at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery.  Memorials preferred to either St. Wenceslaus School or Church.  bruzekfuneralhome.com