Franklin Geise

Franklin X. Geise, 80, died at 7:10 a.m. March 8, 2009, at his residence. He was born December 19, 1928, to Arthur L. and Florence J. Fisher Geise, who preceded him in death. On October 7, 1950, he married I. Ruth Diller, who survives in Lima, Ohio. Mr. Geise worked at Ex-Cell-O, TV Center and Unisteel, until retiring from Dana in 1984. He was a member of Central Christian Church, where he served as a deacon, for more than 50 years. He served from 1946 to 1949 in the U.S. Army in Korea. He was involved in helping his sons with the New Wayside and Smoke and Spirits from 1984 to 1994. He was a member of American Legion Post 96, Lima. He was a 53-year member of Garrett Wykoff No. 585 Free and Accepted Masons, a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite, Valley of Toledo. He was a 1946 graduate of Lima Central High School. He attended Ohio University. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed getting a suntan. He watched NASCAR and was a fan of Jeff Gordon. Of all things, he most enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, who he loved so much. Survivors also include a son, Lynn X. (Laura) Geise, of Lima, Ohio; a daughter, Janelle (Randy) Stemen, of Delphos, Ohio; three grandchildren, Christopher (Janice) Geise, of Lima, Ohio, Sarah Stemen, of Delphos, Ohio, and Nicholas Stemen, of Delphos, Ohio; two great-grandchildren, Jeffery Geise and Nathan Geise; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Jeffery Geise; and a sister, Ann Aebker. Services will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Central Christian Church. The Rev. Mark Tisch will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Lima, with military rites by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1275. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today, and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. A Masonic service will begin at 8 p.m. Tuesday. Memorial contributions may be made to Central Christian Church or St. Rita?s Hospice. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamber lainhuckeriede.com.