Evelyn Geiger

Evelyn Geiger passed away at her home in Portage on November 28, 2024 at the young age of 97. She never classified herself with the old people. She was born on July 25, 1927, in South Haven to Cecil and Mildred (Wright) Lang. 

Evelyn attended Kalamazoo Central High School and then worked briefly at Upjohn. Her true calling was to be a supportive wife and loving mother. She married William R. Geiger on December 2, 1950, and they were blessed with nearly 40 years of marriage until his passing in 1990. She was a energetic mother to their three children, being involved with their every activity. Especially rooting for them at their sports events. She was fondly known as “Big Nana” to her 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She didn’t earn the nickname “Big Nana” for her size but for her heart of overflowing love and large personality.

Evelyn and Bill owned Sportsman Tavern in Paw Paw where she ran the restaurant portion of the business and enjoyed serving Friday night fish fry and Saturday night chicken fry. She and Bill moved to Benton Harbor and opened a bowling alley, they were also members of the Bowling Proprietor’s Association of America.

Big Nana was famous in the neighborhood for giving gifts, she showed up to every birthday and holiday party with presents. Christmas was a special time of year for her, and she always had a real Christmas tree with lots of flocking. She adored gathering her family together to decorate and celebrate.

Evelyn and Bill enjoyed several trips to Florida, but the most memorable vacations were the ones that the grandkids were able to spend with them.

Evelyn is survived by her children Gary (Bobbi) Geiger, Susan (Kim) Mollitor, and Joe (Sue) Geiger; grandchildren Joe, Jeff, Jami, Bill, Kristy, Kenny, Robyn, Joey, Bailey, Ian, Isaac, and Grace; great-grandchildren Kate, Will, Reese, Owen, Jack, Judah, Xiomara, Peyton, Graceland, Isaac, Lucy, Rosie, Will, Teddy, Lizzie, Addie, Hallie, James, and Haleigha; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Cecil and Mildred, husband Bill, and siblings Bob, Gus, Betty, Homer, Lyle, Wayne and Leroy.

Funeral services for Evelyn will be on Monday, December 9, 2024, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services 3926 S. 9th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 AM until 11 AM when the funeral service will begin. Burial will follow the funeral at Grand Prairie Cemetery in Kalamazoo. There will be a reception at Evelyn’s house after the burial. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating a toy to a child in need for Christmas this year in honor of Evelyn. Unwrapped gifts may be brought to the funeral service for donation, or you may bring a gift to your local Toys for Tots donation centers.

Please visit Evelyn’s personalized webpage to share memories and condolences with her family at https://www.Langelands.com