DR. RALPH L. GEISLER
April 15, 1938 – September 13, 2022

Ralph L. Geisler, asleep in Jesus, Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at the age of 84. Beloved Husband of the late Anita J. Geisler (nee Hemmingson); Father of Gregory D. (Melissa) Geisler, Cheryl L. (David) Laaker, Timothy R. (Jennifer) Geisler; Grandfather of Stephanie, Jeffrey, Anabeth, Madison, and Tyler; Brother of Vernon (Judy) Geisler and Leonard (the late Barbara) Geisler; Dear Brother-In-Law, Uncle, Great-Uncle, Cousin, Neighbor, and Friend to many.

Geisler was born on April 15, 1938 in Hooper, Nebraska to parents Marvin and Frieda Geisler. He attended Concordia High School in Seward, Nebraska following encouragement from his pastor and father. He graduated in 1956 and continued his education at Concordia Teacher’s College (Concordia University) Seward, Nebraska, in 1960. He also received his Director of Christian Education and Director of Evangelism degrees and was honored to receive his Doctorate from Concordia, St Paul, Minnesota.

He married his true love, Anita Hemmingson in July 1960. Their adventures started in Atchison, Kansas where Geisler taught at Trinity Lutheran School (1960-1964).  They then moved to Hutchinson, Kansas where he was principal at Our Redeemer Lutheran School (1964-1967). During the summers Geisler obtained his Master’s from Kansas University. The adventure continued to Saint Louis, Missouri where Geisler was principal at Hope Lutheran School in Saint Ann (1967-1970) . Their move to New York found Geisler on a new adventure as a Director of Christian Education at Faith Lutheran Church in Penfield, New York (1970-1975). He took a break from church work to sell World Book Encyclopedia in Lakewood, New York and the surrounding areas. He returned to church work as a Director of Evangelism (DOE) at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska (1979-1987). He then was DOE at Bethany Lutheran in Naperville, Illinois (1987-1990). His years of hard work led him to work for the Evangelism Department at the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in Saint Louis, Missouri (1990-2000). While there he helped start many programs including a program to focus on rural small town ministries.  He ended his career as Mission and Ministry Facilitator for the Missouri District, Saint Louis, Missouri (2000-2006).  He retired from full-time church work on July 1, 2006.

His true passion in life was sharing his love of Christ and the message of eternal life. He worked with Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ while in New York and Omaha. He was an avid fisherman and really enjoyed his trips to Minnesota and Canada with his fishing buddies. He also enjoyed many trips and travels: Germany, Nova Scotia, Switzerland, and all 50 states. In retirement, Geisler enjoyed time with his children and grandchildren and participating in their activities. He never truly retired, always finding ways to continue his mission to share the message of eternal life. He brought peace and happiness to many and will be greatly missed.

Service Information:

Visitation 
October 1, 9a.m.
Concordia Lutheran Church, 505 S. Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood, Missouri 63122

Memorial Service
October 1, 10a.m.
Concordia Lutheran Church, 505 S. Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood, Missouri 63122

Interment
St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Concordia Lutheran Church: Ministry for the Deaf or Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Rural Small Town Ministry, or a charity of your choosing.