Thomas Geocaris Obituary

Thomas Victor Geocaris, MD, F.A.C.S., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at his home in Allouez, WI, with his family by his side. Tom courageously lived while battling pancreatic cancer for over a year. Born to parents, Theodore and Helen Geocaris, Tom lived his younger years in Chicago and Mount Prospect, IL. After completing medical school, he relocated to Green Bay, WI, where he practiced general surgery with compassion and grace for 34 years. Tom had the opportunity to practice for the last ten years with his daughter, Cynthia Geocaris at Surgery Specialists of Green Bay. His wife, Patty; and children Mike, Tim, and Kerry all had the pleasure of working with him in the family business. Tom made numerous professional achievements throughout his life. He served on the Bellin Health Board of Directors and was Chairman of the Bellin Health Surgery Department. Tom led in the development of the first robotic surgery program in the Green Bay area and was one of three general surgeons in the country using robotics at the time. Tom was the first surgeon in Green Bay to perform bariatric surgery and the first to do a single site surgery. Those who knew Tom as a professional also knew him "personally" as there was little divide between the two. He was an exemplary teacher, precise and compassionate surgeon, and a perpetual "jokester" with a child-like sense of humor enjoyed by all. Tom is survived by his wife, Patricia "Patty", with whom he shared their love in marriage for 47 years; his four children (all residing in Green Bay), Dr. Cynthia Geocaris (Stephen Scripp), Michael Geocaris (Pamela Weiner, friend), Timothy (Nikki) Geocaris and Kerry Geocaris (Bradford Bordini); and grandchildren, including Ryan Scripp, Stephen Scripp, Michael Scripp, and Madeline Scripp; Timothy Geocaris, Tommy Geocaris; Elliot Bordini and Teya Bordini. He also is survived by his siblings, Jim Geocaris (Woodridge, IL) and Christie Karis (Seattle, WA). Wake and visitation will be held at Resurrection Church in Allouez, at 333 Hilltop Dr., on Friday, April 13, 2012, from 2 to 8 p.m. There is additional visitation at Resurrection Church scheduled for 8 to 9:30 a.m. on April 14, 2012, with funeral services to commence at 10 a.m., with Bishop Robert Morneau leading prayer. Burial to be at Allouez Catholic Cemetery. Cotter Funeral Home and Cremation Services, De Pere, WI, 920-336-8702, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Apr. 12, 2012.
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Another year and the memories I have make it seem like yesterday. Never forgotten and all you shared I am passing on to my kids. You and your legacy will fill our hearts and minds forever!

Mike

Family

April 6, 2023

Wow, I was talking with a client today and actually mentioned your name and how you lived your life after your cancer diagnosis, saying that I really admired your JOY in living with cancer. I got to witness how you kept on living despite everything that you were going through, it was AMAZING and has really helped me live my life with more Purpose! I know that you are enjoying being HOME in HEAVEN!

Elizabeth

Elizabeth Charles

Work

April 6, 2023

As your 10 year anniversary of your passing is approaching, the memories of you are still so present in my mind. I even will have a dream about you every now and then, serving to me as a reminder that you are still present in the lives that you cared about. I am recalling a very special memory today, and I believe that somehow you knew that I needed that special reminder that day that I was valued and needed. I so appreciate the man, the surgeon, the mentor that you were, and miss you! Those that connect on a deeper level are never really gone, they are right there beside you everyday. God Bless .... Elizabeth

Elizabeth Charles

Work

April 6, 2022

To the Geocaris Family
When you look at your life and the journey that you have been on, it is individuals like Dr Tom that stand out as making a huge impact on your life. They inspire you! Knowing someone as an individual, a doctor, a friend is powerful, but someone who leaves an impact in your life that is so profound, makes you realize how blessed you are for knowing them. Dr Tom's ability to live his life to inspire others has made an impact on countless individuals of which one may never truly know just how many lives have been changed for the better. God Bless
Elizabeth Charles

Elizabeth Charles

Coworker

April 6, 2020

I'm sure no one would remember me - I was on the sophomore gymnastics team when Tom was a senior. My brother Bob was also a senior on the gymnastics team. I knew Tom from being on the team, but I was a lowly sophomore at the time - I just wanted to tell you {his loved ones) that he made such an impression on me - I really looked up to him. Our coach, Mr Hughes, used to say so many nice things about him. He was an absolute star in gymnastics, performing routines that were very exciting. I had not seen him or talked with him since high school, but I think it's important for you to know what a fantastic person he was - you could tell even in high school that he would become such a great person. God bless. Jerry Russell Dec 24, 2015.

Jerry Russell

December 24, 2015

Patti,

I don't know if you remember me ...Jerry Kouzmanoff....Arlington High School Class of 59 and Delta Chi Franternity brother of Tom's. I last saw Tom while he was in medical school in Chicago, many, many years ago. I am very sorry to hear of Tom's passing.

September 25, 2013

I miss you dad! Thank you for all you shared and taught me. I know it is because of you that I am in a good place in life. Everyday I think about the times we spent together, sailing, skiing, diving, operating, and laughing. I had a great teacher, the best teacher. My hope is that I can be just like you, an inspiration, a mentor, a best friend. You are missed everyday, you will never be forgotten. You have touched the lives of everyone I know and meet. Thank you dad! I love you and miss you!

Mike Geocaris

August 22, 2012

Dear God, please bring him back, he wasn't done living yet. Mr. G was so passionate about his family. He was a complete joy to be around and a hoot with his grandkids. I felt very luck and proud, even tearful, when he took my son Reid, go-karting in door county. I've watched him tickle Patty and rib his own kids into laughter. He was a hero to many and if I were lucky enough to be granted 3 wishes, I'd use them all to wish Tom back. My heart goes out to Patty, Keri and the whole Geocaris family.

Cheri and Reid

May 3, 2012

Aunt Patty,Cindy,Mike,Tim and Kerry,
We are sorry for your loss of Uncle Tom. May he rest in Peace and your love for him be eternal. He is back with Grandma and Grandpa sailing the seas of Heaven!!!

Chuck, Mary and DJ Geocaris

April 19, 2012

Patty and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Dr Geo was so kind to me and my husband when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I will never forget his kindness to us, plus I think he saved my life. He was such a good soul, he will always be in my prayers.
Mary Trotman, Savannah,Ga

April 18, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss.Myprayers are with you all. I worked with Dr. Geocaris for many years up in Surgery at Bellin and in the Emergency Room. He will be greatly miss by all.
May God Bless. Susan Kapla

April 17, 2012

Dr. Tom was a great surgeon and a pleasure to work with. I am honored to have known him and to have learned from him. God bless all of you during this time and may Dr. Tom rest in peace.

Amanda Paczkowski

April 16, 2012

I remember him as such an uplifing person. As an RN student working in surgery, I remember my first vein stripping. I was a little nervous, but Dr. Geocaris, make it fun, and discussed the process the whole time I was there. It is now 35 years later, and I still remember that time. A true inspiration to those who worked with him. Caro Devine APNP Green Bay

April 16, 2012

I remember the Geocaris family from their days in Mt. Prospect! We were forunate to grow up in a wonderful neighborhood w/exceptional neighbors & a large group of kids, affectionatly named "The Pine Street Gang." Many of the original residents are still living on Pine St. & Elmhurst (50
plus years later)...Trapanis, Stevens, Whites...we were very lucky. Reading about Tom brought many memories of our youth. The comments posted by friends, family & professionals has me believing that Tom carried his experiences gained as a young man, taught by his parents & neighbors, throughout his entire life. I am sorry we lost touch & want his entire family to know you are in my thoughts & prayers. He seemed an exceptional husband, man, father, grandfather, friend & all around wonderful person.
Debbie Rasmus Marty
Prescott AZ

April 15, 2012

Long Lasting Memories are what Dr Tom Made, he inspired me all the years that I new him - even in his last days. Those that we love and have lost are not where they used to be, they now are with us every where we go! His spirit lives on in our hearts

Elizabeth Charles

April 14, 2012

As a doctor and surgeon, Tom was loved by all. He was a wonderful influence to his children, and those who entered his life, throughout his practice. Prayers and blessings to the family. He has left an everlasting memory with many, many, people and patients. God Bless.

Patti Thompson

April 14, 2012

Our prayers & blessings are with your family.

Marcia Mortell-Blumb

April 13, 2012

A true icon has been lost.....a beacon for all that is good and true! All the sails on Green Bay will be a little less full this summer. Miss you already Tom--from a fellow sailor and physician. Tom was a mentor for both.

marc anderson

April 13, 2012

I will miss Tom's smiling face and the tales of his dive trips around the world. He's been my favorite customer for the last 20 years. Godspeed, Tom, see you on the reefs.

Barbara, Asst. Mgr., Aqua Center

Barbara Malcolm

April 13, 2012

Green Bay has lost a safe harbor this week.

Dr. Georcaris was an avid sailor in local waters
and has sailed many seas -
but to the many lives he touched in my hometown -
he was a calm haven in stormy weather.

He saved my mother's life and gave me an additional seven years with her that I am thankful for.
He also helped my father.

I know many families have the same feelings as mine -
that Dr. Geocaris was a lifeline when you are scared -
drowning in a life or death - family medical emergency.

I thank God that Dr. Geocaris was there for us when we
really needed his compassion and medical expertise.

But I am most impressed by his son Tim -
whom he mentored through the example of his own life
to become a great father to his own two sons and husband to my niece.

Dr. Geocaris - on every occasion - was a gentle
and loving father and grandfather - taking in even the smallest of life's special moments.

May God Bless you and comfort you
during this difficult time -
Tim and Nikki, Timmy and Tommy and keep you safe.

Next time you feel a gentle breeze or even the strongest gust of wind - it just might be him - filling your sails - keeping you on course and steering you in the right direction through life's rough seas
and many adventures.

Enjoy your life and live it to the fullest - just as he did.
Look for him in the sunsets of Door County -
he is sailing right behind you.

The community has lost a compass -
but the heavens have a new star
by which all of us can navigate our own lives.

Rest in Peace for a job well done.

My thoughts and prayers are with you -
the entire Geocaris family.

Thank you for sharing him with the community.

Dawn Murray
Newport Beach, CA

Dawn Murray

April 13, 2012

The medical profession has lost a wonderful doctor and surgeon. Our prayers are with his family and friends.
May he rest in peace.

Patty & Bob Gerend

April 13, 2012

Dr Tom was my dad's surgeon for many years, and always treated him with kindness and compassion-he was a wonderful surgeon and person ~ he will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace ~deepest sympathies to his entire family.

Mary Freeman

April 13, 2012

Kerry, May God Bless your family and may your Father Rest in Peace.

Tamara Loch

April 13, 2012

There are precious few people in each of our lives who have made such a profound influence

April 12, 2012

A good man whose life had meaning. Now he is safely home. God bless the Geocaris Family.

Mary Lou Case

April 12, 2012

Our sincere condolences. Dr. Geocaris was a kind, caring, and skilled surgeon for our son, Michael, and for me. We are very sorry for your loss.

Kit and Mike Sullivan

April 12, 2012

Dr. Tom was an extraordinary person and surgeon. He inspired, cherished, and loved everyone and everything around him. He will be sorely missed, but lives through all the people he helped and knew.

Pam Johnson

April 12, 2012

Fantastic surgeon, fantastic man. Rest in peace Dr. Tom. I've missed you since the day you retired. I was so lucky to be apart of your robotic team at Bellin. Missing and loving you very much.

Candy Buresh

April 12, 2012

My condolences. Dr. Geocaris' care and skill gave me 27 years and counting. I am very sorry for your loss. He was kind man, and I greatly appreciate what he did for me.

Michael Sullivan

April 12, 2012

May God comfort your beautiful family. We are very sorry for your enormous loss of such a kind and gifted man! My 77 year old mother in law is healthy and breast cancer free because of Dr. Geocaris. He performed her mastectomy over 25 years ago, and we are so humbly grateful. Thinking of all of you at this time, praying for God's peace.
Sincerely, Sheila, Patrick, Meg, and Mya Ferron (De Pere, WI)

April 12, 2012

I had the pleasure and honor to work with Dr. Geocaris for 10 years. He was an amazing surgeon and person. I learned so much from him. He was an inspiration to so many people. He will be greatly missed. Heaven needed another angel. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Much love and hugs to all of you.
LuRinda Johnson

April 12, 2012

I send my deepest sympathy to the family. I cant begin to Thank him enough for being a wonderful doctor. He was the BEST! Cynthia Vander Zanden

Cynthia Vander Zanden

April 12, 2012

Dr. Tom was a class act. It was always a pleasure working with him. God bless!
Paula Pasterski

April 12, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Geocaris family. Bellin Health Green Bay Clinica Hispana Staff.

April 12, 2012

I had the honor for work with Patty and Tom from 1984 to 1998. The "good old days". Best of care for our patients and the best mentors for learning how to manage a surgical office. Dr. Tom fixed hernias on two of my kids, Patty gave me like new hand-me downs. Without them, I would not have been able to put my kids through college. They always took care us. Thank you for everything. I will always treasure those years. Celebrate his life!!!

Sue Schuchart-Garrity

April 12, 2012

My deepest sympathy on Tom's passing. I know he will be missed by many.
Steve Geocaris, Chicago, IL.

April 12, 2012

No matter how busy he was he always had time to share a story and a laugh. I will always remember his smile. Quite a mentor. Dr Mike Meyer

Mike Meyer MD

April 12, 2012

Dr Geocaris saved my life... I could never repay what he did for me but he now is guiding the hands of surgeons everywhere. Your husband and father was and always will be a hero.

L M

April 12, 2012

I hade the honor of working with Dr. Geocaris off and on over the years, and I truly respected his outstanding skill and compassion. My prayers are with all of his family.

Mary Compton-Blodgett RN

April 12, 2012

Rest in peace with the Lord. You were an inspiration to all of us, and will be missed. Diane Hanson RN, Bellin Hospital ER

Diane Hanson

April 12, 2012

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Geocaris family and especially to Mike and Cindy...your Dad was the most amazing Surgeon I have ever worked with in all my years at Bellin Those memories will be cherished forever. God Bless

Andrea Lloyd

April 12, 2012

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