Fred Geisler

Published October 13, 2020 at 1:14 PM

Fred Geisler, 98, of Mitchell formerly of Artesian, SD, died Sunday, October 11, 2020 at Avera Brady Health and Rehab. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mitchell. Burial will be in Butler Cemetery in rural Letcher. Visitation was Tuesday at Bittner Funeral Chapel. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Fred Theodore Geisler was born on March 20, 1922 to Joseph and Margaret (Degan) Geisler at the home farm near Dimock, SD. He attended school at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School.

On January 10, 1950 Fred was united in marriage with Lucille (Stunes) in Letcher, SD.

Fred was a farmer all his life. First, for his mother, and then for himself in Plano Twp., Hanson Co., and then Sanborn Co., south of Artesian. Fred liked to make things grow: hogs, cattle, and crops. After 34 years farming near Artesian, Fred and Lucille moved to the Mitchell area. He enjoyed country retirement for 20 years before moving into town and apartment living. Fred always enjoyed friends and neighbors wherever he lived.

Fred had a special interest in farm methods of the past. He found great satisfaction in restoring old John Deere tractors, especially fixing 2-cylinder John Deere tractors. Fred saved many “Poppin’ Johnnies” from the junk pile.

Fred was a faithful member of Holy Family Catholic Church, and a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus.

Fred is survived by his wife, Lucille; daughters, Teresa (John) Sullivan of Mitchell, Elaine (Charles) Fuerniss of Paris, KY, Betty (Skip) Guindon of Plankinton, SD, Cynthia (Darold) Rounds of Wessington Springs, SD, Mary (Roger) Lee of De Smet, SD; son, Thomas Geisler of St. Peters, MN; 23 grandchildren and 53 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Michelle Fuerniss; great-grandson, Jacob Kolousek; brothers, Mathias, Leo, and Joseph; and sisters, Rose Geisler, Marie Gau, and Ann Geisler.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to South Dakota Right to Life: 1107 Mt. Rushmore Rd Suite 1B, Rapid City, SD 57701; www.sdrighttolife.org.