- Visitation
Memorial Visitation
Thursday, October 5, 2023
9:00 to 11:00 am
St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL
- Service
Religious Celebration
Thursday, October 5, 2023
11:00 am
St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL
Celebration of Life (Reception)
The Old Wicks Factory (Great Gatsby Room)
1100 5th Street, Highland Illinois (entrance near the Grand Ballroom)
From post religious celebration to 3:00 pm.
- Full Obituary
John Philip Geismann, 83, of Highland, IL, passed away on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at home surrounded by his family.
John was born on June 6, 1940, in St. Louis, MO, to Lawrence and Ethel (nee Reichert) Geismann. He married his college sweetheart and the love of his life, Colleen Hosey, on August 31, 1963, in Old Hickory, TN. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
John lived in Highland Illinois for over 5 decades. He grew up in St. Louis and graduated from Bishop Dubourg High School in 1958. Initially, he played football at Benedictine College before transferring to St. Louis University. He graduated with a Bachelor Degree from St. Louis University in 1962. John then pursued a law degree and graduated from St. Louis University Law School in 1966 with a Doctorate in Jurisprudence. While in law school, John also worked at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft and served his country in the Army Reserves.
John started his law practice in Highland in 1968 and served the community with his capabilities and commitment for 55 years. As a lawyer in private practice, he also served on the Highland City Council and acted as the Highland City Attorney in the1970’s and 1980’s. John had many legal accomplishments during his career. One highlight includes his work with the Tri-Township Water District to bring government sponsored water distribution to thousands of rural homes and farms.
John was an active member of the St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland. In addition, he was involved with local professional community groups, including the following: the Madison County Bar Association, the Knights of Columbus, and the Highland Jaycees. Over the years, John was dedicated to serving the needs of the homeless. He volunteered for over 35 years at the Sts. Peter & Paul Soulard Shelter (South St. Louis City). He was a steward for many St Paul Catholic Church confirmation candidates in helping them to distribute clothing, food, and other essential items to the homeless. He is renowned in the Sts. Peter & Paul Soulard Shelter’s community as the longest serving volunteer. He recently received an award which honored his dedication. In addition to his activities with Sts.Peter & Paul, he also routinely read to the blind over radio on Sunday mornings.
John was a pioneer that challenged himself to improve the opportunity set for those in the community. He founded youth organized soccer in Highland in the early 1970s. He converted a plot of land (just east of the St. Paul Cemetery) into 3 soccer fields. John became the Highland Commissioner of Soccer and an active coach. In turn, he recruited other coaches and players and the love of the game soon spread. John loved sports and was enthusiastic about long distance running which led to the completion of 4 marathons in Chicago. John enjoyed other sporty activities like playing rugby, lifting weights, and snow skiing. The more mellow and softer side of John’s interest included: symphony, humanities, and spiritual retreats.
Family members describe him as a fun, loving, honest, and dedicated, husband, father and friend. An active observer of life and a critical thinker. He was one that put other’s interests ahead of his own.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Ethel Geismann.
JP is survived by his wife of 60 years, Colleen Geismann, Highland, IL; children, Greg (Radha) Geismann, St. Louis, MO, Todd (Heather) Geismann, Westport, CT, Aimee “Amia” Geismann, Sedona, AZ, Keith (Mary) Geismann, Geneva, IL; grandchildren, Ava, Viola, Sean, Anna, Maeve, James; and sister, Mary (James) Whaley, St. Louis, MO.
Memorial donations may be made to Parrish Twinning Program of the Americas (or to St. Peter and Paul Community Services (PPCS).
Memorial Visitation: Thursday, October 5, 2023, from 9:00 to 11:00 am, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL
Religious Celebration: Thursday, October 5, 2023, 11:00 am, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL
Celebration of Life (Reception): The Old Wicks Factory (Great Gatsby Room). 1100 5th Street, Highland Illinois (entrance near the Grand Ballroom). From post religious celebration to 3:00 pm.
Clergy: Fr. Paul Bonk
Interment: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery (Private)
Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL
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