John Arlen Geister, age 69, of Ellsworth, Wis., passed away on Sept. 20, 2023, at Marshfield Hospital in Marshfield, Wis., after a brief illness with meningitis. He was born on April 29, 1954, in Prescott, Wis., the cherished son of Eugene and Nellie (Bengtson) Geister.
John’s educational journey began at Sunnyside and Lindgren Elementary Schools. He was especially impacted by his second-grade teacher, Marion Erlandson, who remained a special person in his life. He later graduated from Ellsworth High School. On June 25, 1977, he joyfully exchanged vows with his best friend, Nancy VanderWyst, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hammond. This beautiful union was blessed with the gift of four loving children.
For an astonishing 50 years, John dedicated his professional life to the Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, where he held various roles. He was known for his diligent work in the barrel room, pasteurization, maintenance, and the intricate evaporating process. In addition to his work within the cooperative, John drove truck with Mr. Ed’s Magical Midway amusement rides and was a familiar face as he drove school bus and hauled milk, forming countless friendships along his routes.
Beyond the confines of work, John found solace and joy in tending to his vegetable garden. His generous spirit shone through as he often remarked, “I planted too many plants this year,” eagerly sharing his bountiful harvest with family and friends. John was a proud member of the Beldenville Old Car Club, where his prized possessions, including his ’57 Chevy, ’66 Bronco, and ’58 Chevy, were lovingly showcased. He also enjoyed hitting the open road on two wheels, embarking on countless memorable trips on his Honda Gold Wing with Nancy riding shotgun.
In his earlier years, John displayed keen skill as a pool player and was a scrappy euchre enthusiast. However, his most profound passion in life was his family. Though he was not one to overuse a smile, his grandchildren knew just how to bring one to his face. John delighted in taking them on “lawn mower rides” while cutting the grass, treating them to sweet indulgences (then sending them home to their parents), and playfully teasing them. His grandchildren were truly the apple of his eye.
John Geister will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his strong work ethic, and his love for life’s simple pleasures. He leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories to include his loving wife, Nancy Geister, children Kaira (Brad) Lansing, Wayne (April) Geister, Derek (Cindy Hart) Geister, Shawn (Dan) McCusker, grandchildren: Dayna, Destinee (Cooper), Jared, Josie, Mikayla, Dezi (Jesse), Dustin (Ellie), Heather, Will, Alex, Joseph, Noelle, and several great grandchildren. He is further survived by his siblings Gary (JoAnne) Geister, Kathie Geister, Nancy (Kurt “Bow” Bowman) Foley, Julie (Baggs) Baggenstoss, Jeanette (Greg) Tschida, Carol (Mark) Melstrom; brothers/sisters-in-law George Yates, Ken (Jan) VanderWyst, Jerry (Sheila) VanderWyst, Steve (Bev) VanderWyst, Jim (Barb) VanderWyst, Mike (Tonya) VanderWyst, as well as many of nieces and nephews. His parents, sisters/brothers-in-law Kathy Yates, and John (Sue) VanderWyst have preceded him in death.
Memorial service for John will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30 at English Lutheran Church in Ellsworth. Visitation will be on Friday, from 4-7 p.m. at English Lutheran Church as well as one hour prior to the service at church Saturday morning.
In keeping with John’s loving and generous spirit, it was his decision to donate life so that others may live in that he donated vital organs to others on waiting lists. Memorials are preferred to the discretion of the family. Funeral services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Ellsworth, www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com, 715-273-4421
