Lester Geer

Geer, Lester W. Lester W. Geer, age 89, of Rhinelander, died Monday, May 9, 2011, surrounded by his loving family and in the care of Ministry Hospice. Lester was born December 20, 1921 in Norris, IL., the son of James U. and Lena (Ross) Geer. After finishing school, he married Goldie Jean (Horvatinovich) on June 15th, 1940. He was a WWII Army veteran and after the war was very involved in the VFW, obtaining the title Post Commander VFW 7981 life member. He retired from ITT Bell and Gossett in 1982 and in his retirement enjoyed watching the Cubs and attending family gatherings. In 1992, he moved up to Rhinelander WI, with his second wife, Gladys Wilkins, a place he never wanted to leave. Les was an avid Cubs fan and was very proud of his family. He is survived by 2 daughters and 4 sons; Carol (Ray) Hebior of Davenport, FL, Lester Jr. (Mary) of Waukegan, IL, Robert (Wendy) of Waukegan, Thomas (Colleen) of Antioch, IL, Patricia (Robert) Kantola of Waukegan, IL and David (Susan) of Wadsworth, IL. He is also survived by a stepson; Robert (Linda) Wilkins of Rhinelander, WI and stepdaughter, Wendy (Jeffrey) Larson. He was the loving grandfather of 19 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren, 6 step-grandchildren, and 15 step great-grandchildren. Lester was preceded in death by his first wife, Goldie Jean, on June 3, 1985, his second wife, Gladys, on August 6th, 2010, his daughter, Nancy Stripe on December 30th, 2003, a granddaughter, a great grandson, his parents, James and Lena, brother, William, and sister, Violet. He will be remembered for his quick wit, his work ethic, and putting others before himself. He will be welcomed in heaven by many people, but missed dearly by his family that he leaves behind. Words cannot express our gratitude towards Ministry Hospice in Rhinelander for their kindness, compassion, and expertise in helping our dad in his final days of his life. Cemetery chapel services will be held on Monday, May 16, 2011, at 12:00 P.M. at Northshore Gardens of Memories Chapel, 18th Street and Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL. Interment will follow with a celebration of his life following at Toby's Tavern 1940 Green Bay Rd, North Chicago, IL. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. until the time of the services at the cemetery chapel. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a memorial has been established in Lester's name to Ministry Hospice, and all are invited to share memories of him on-line at hildebrandfh.com. Rhinelander's Hildebrand-Russ Funeral Home, 715-365-4343, is in charge of arrangements.