By Mandi Sakadaris
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  • 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

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

12 Condolences
 
  1. Janelle M Gelly / September 30, 2023 at 3:41 pm

    Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. I was fortunate to call John my boss for eleven years but even more fortunate to call him and Colleen my dear lifelong friends. John will always have a special place in my heart and be thoughtfully remembered as a kind, compassionate and generous individual. Rest in peace my friend.

  2. The De Vito Family / September 30, 2023 at 4:32 pm

    Sorry for your loss

  3. Mark Schilli / September 30, 2023 at 4:48 pm

    Deepest sympathies to Colleen, Greg, Todd, Aimee and Keith in this time of sadness. My family first knew John and Colleen as neighbors in STL and then Highland, IL, growing up. I grew up with Greg and Todd and recall always at their house being around their father. I have fond memories of John and his entire family. May God Bless the Geismann family. Francey, Mark, Mary Carol and David Schilli.

  4. Keri McCombe / October 1, 2023 at 7:31 am

    It has been a blessing to come to know John and his beautiful family, even though it has been just a short period of time.
    It feels as, if I’ve known them much longer.

    He always had a kind word to share and was ever ready to help when needed.
    His presence will certainly be missed in our close knit and loving community here in Highland .

    He was a big man with an even bigger heart, that serviced faithfully and was a true reflection of his faith.

    I have no doubts whatsoever, that
    when he was greeted into the
    Kingdom of Heaven,
    God spoke the words that filled him with overflowing peace and joy…
    “ Well done my good and faithfully servant.” “Welcome Home.”

  5. Connie Tauser / October 1, 2023 at 3:29 pm

    my sympathies to the family. i know the he helped both my parents back in 1973 when my parents inherited my grandmother’s property. my dad was an only child so everything was placed on my dad’s shoulders. john had gotten my parents through the trouble with the i r s. there are no words that can convey how john was able to help my parents out.

  6. Paul and Danesa Joern / October 1, 2023 at 4:07 pm

    With warmest condolences from Paul and Danesa Joern. John was a great uncle and godfather.

  7. Francey Schilli / October 2, 2023 at 9:11 am

    I was so sorry to hear that John had died. He was so good to David along with all your family. David loved to hang out at your house. He was so sad when I told him that John had passed away. He said he was my buddy. He appreciated all you did for him. He was so glad when you came to see him in the hospital before his major surgery. David loved you all. Prayers for all your family.

  8. Jennifer Hosey / October 2, 2023 at 1:47 pm

    Sending so much love and healing to you all. May his memory be a blessing.
    James and Jennifer Hosey

  9. Michael Seckman / October 3, 2023 at 1:10 pm

    Sending love and peace to the Geismann family. I have very fond memories of Uncle John at family gatherings and on our vacations together in Myrtle Beach. I always appreciated the close friendship between Uncle John and my father, Big John. And in the years after my father passed away, John and Colleen were always a source support and love for Mama Sharon. You are all in my prayers.

  10. Becky Kimberlin / October 3, 2023 at 9:46 pm

    Sending my love and hugs to all of you and wishing I could be there in person. I have such fond memories of growing up with the Geismann clan and in later years having chats with John and Colleen. He was a great man. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Peace and God Bless, Becky

  11. Donna Stoff / October 4, 2023 at 4:07 pm

    Rest in Peace John Philip Geismann

    Colleen and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I met John and Colleen at their home for a Bible study relating to my Catholic faith. The knowledge that they shared with me about their faith journey has strengthen my faith. To this day, I still participate in bible studies to continue to strengthen my faith. This foundation was started by John, Colleen and members of this group. John will always be remembered.

    Love and Friendship

    Donna Stoff

  12. Ron Stern / October 5, 2023 at 7:36 am

    Geismann Family-sorry for your loss. I remember the trip John took to Ted Drewe’s after the 1983 Scholar-Athlete banquet for my first frozen concrete and first ever trip to Drewe’s-a fond memory. God bless you all.

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