October 13, 2020
REST IN PEACE
Edward Francis Geiss, “Ed”, was called home on October 13, 2020. He was the beloved husband of 45 years to Pat and loving father to Ed (Linda) Geiss of Carbondale, Colorado and Tim (Bridget) Geiss of St. Louis, Missouri. He was an adored “Papa/Poppy” to Owen, Patrick, Joe and Paul Geiss as well as loving brother, uncle, cousin, friend and guardian angel to countless.
Ed was born to Pat & Ed Geiss of Chicago, IL as a firework dud on July 5, 1939. Ed followed God’s calling to priesthood where his Roman Catholic ministry brought him to Mexico and South America. He eventually met the love of his life, Pat, in Peru and the two would later be married. They built a loving life together in Lake in the Hills in a home that they transformed over the years. Ed would be quick to point out that Pat was the one who held the household together through her unending selflessness.
Ed greeted everyone with a legendary smile, kind blue eyes and warm embrace. Although he often called people by the wrong name, Ed did not know a stranger. In his years as a social worker for the Village of Arlington Heights and beyond, Ed was a relentless advocate for the homeless, imprisoned, drug-addicted, immigrant, and frankly, anyone down on their luck in need of a 2nd, 3rd, or 100th chance at life. Ed regularly preached about the importance of love, but he lived it even more.
Ed’s zest for life was evident in his enthusiastic lector readings and homilies, lengthy meal blessings (spiritual food), and animated joke and storytelling. Ed will be remembered for his gregarious personality, stellar dance moves, healthy pours at his bar, Civil War handwriting, intimate letters/cards, ravenous appetite, perpetual generosity and countless untold acts of kindness for perfect strangers. He will be greatly missed, especially by the miniature alcohol bottle industry.
Ed will not be missed for his terrifying driving, room-clearing gas and hoarding of construction materials under the deck. Also not missed will be his love of eating long-expired food, liverwurst on pastries and other gag-inducing cuisine, much of which ended up on his chin or shirt. Then again, he was just living by Gram’s rules to “Waste not, want not” and “Take all you want, but eat all you take.”
His was a life well lived.
A memorial service/celebration of his life will be held at a later date due to COVID. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cure PSP at https://www.psp.org/.
Ed and Pat are longtime members of CORPUS. Ed transitioned in 1972 and married Pat in 1975.
CONDOLENCES:
PAT GEISS
1202 Sycamore
Lake In The Hills, IL 60156