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LeRoy Geltz Obituary
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LeRoy (Lee) Albert Geltz, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and dear friend, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2025, surrounded by his devoted wife and three daughters.
Born on March 4, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, Lee was the only son of Johanna Louise and Albert Ernest Geltz. He attended Peace Lutheran School during his formative years and graduated from Lutheran East High School in 1963.
Lee continued his education at Michigan State University (MSU), as a proud "Spartan" fan and member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. It was at MSU that he met the love of his life, Cindy Dale Hill. In a gesture that reflected his humor and creativity, Lee proposed by taping an engagement ring and a "Will You Marry Me?" note in a Modern Bride magazine. They were married on June 15, 1968, beginning a beautiful partnership that would span nearly six decades.
Shortly after the wedding, Lee entered the United States Air Force, serving honorably from 1968 to 1972. His service took him and Cindy across the country - from San Angelo, Texas, to Fairbanks, Alaska, and then Bellevue, Nebraska - where they joyfully welcomed their first daughter, Lisa Louise.
Following his military service, Lee and Cindy built their family life together in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, where they welcomed two more daughters, Gretchen Lee and Kristin Dale. The family later made their homes in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Califon, New Jersey.
Beginning in 2009, Lee and Cindy spent their winters as "snowbirds" in Naples, Florida, enjoying the warmth and friendship of the community (and fellow "Sparty" fans) before settling there full-time in 2020.
Lee's professional life was defined by his heart for service and his natural gift of hospitality. His career positions included club and hotel management, in Colonial Williamsburg and Kalamazoo. He continued his dedication to leadership and excellence as a Manufacture's Representative for premium and incentive companies and later as a Director of Sales for William Shaland Corporation. The culmination of his life work was as a General Manager at Wyndham and Hyatt hotel properties. Throughout his career, Lee embodied the very best of the hospitality industry and was admired for his integrity, warmth, and the genuine care he extended to colleagues, guests, and clients alike.
Lee's faith in Christ was the steady foundation of his life, guiding his actions and outlook everyday. A lifelong Lutheran, he served faithfully in every congregation he joined. His deep commitment to his faith was evident through his years of service as Congregation President, Superintendent of Sunday School programs, Elder, and spiritual educator.
His dedication to sharing God's love and nurturing faith in others, especially his three "girls"- reflected his deep belief in living a life of purpose, service, and grace.
Lee will be remembered for his warmth, wit, and boundless love for his family. His favorite time of year was Christmas, earning him the affectionate nickname "Christmas Boy". Each holiday season, he delighted in setting up his Lionel train around the Christmas tree, with his grandchildren gathered close by.
Lee's life was rich with love, laughter, and faith - a legacy that will continue through those he loved so deeply.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Cindy, their three daughters - Lisa (Patrick) Perri; Gretchen (Jonathan) Larsen; and Kristin (Ryan) Smerillo. His beloved grandchildren - Daniel, Anna, and Luke Perri; Andrew and Johanna Larsen; and Cora, Gared, and Charles Smerillo. Sister, Geraldine Fletcher and nephews, Mark
(Tammy), Todd, and Tim - and MANY dear friends who were blessed to know him.
A celebration of Lee's life will be held on Tuesday, October 28th, at Grace Lutheran Church, 860 Banyan Drive, in Naples, Florida. Viewing will begin for guests at 1:00 PM, with a service to follow at 2:00 PM. Guests are invited to join the family in the fellowship hall for refreshments immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made to the Naples Alzheimer's Support Network https://support/network/donate/
Born on March 4, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, Lee was the only son of Johanna Louise and Albert Ernest Geltz. He attended Peace Lutheran School during his formative years and graduated from Lutheran East High School in 1963.
Lee continued his education at Michigan State University (MSU), as a proud "Spartan" fan and member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. It was at MSU that he met the love of his life, Cindy Dale Hill. In a gesture that reflected his humor and creativity, Lee proposed by taping an engagement ring and a "Will You Marry Me?" note in a Modern Bride magazine. They were married on June 15, 1968, beginning a beautiful partnership that would span nearly six decades.
Shortly after the wedding, Lee entered the United States Air Force, serving honorably from 1968 to 1972. His service took him and Cindy across the country - from San Angelo, Texas, to Fairbanks, Alaska, and then Bellevue, Nebraska - where they joyfully welcomed their first daughter, Lisa Louise.
Following his military service, Lee and Cindy built their family life together in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, where they welcomed two more daughters, Gretchen Lee and Kristin Dale. The family later made their homes in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Califon, New Jersey.
Beginning in 2009, Lee and Cindy spent their winters as "snowbirds" in Naples, Florida, enjoying the warmth and friendship of the community (and fellow "Sparty" fans) before settling there full-time in 2020.
Lee's professional life was defined by his heart for service and his natural gift of hospitality. His career positions included club and hotel management, in Colonial Williamsburg and Kalamazoo. He continued his dedication to leadership and excellence as a Manufacture's Representative for premium and incentive companies and later as a Director of Sales for William Shaland Corporation. The culmination of his life work was as a General Manager at Wyndham and Hyatt hotel properties. Throughout his career, Lee embodied the very best of the hospitality industry and was admired for his integrity, warmth, and the genuine care he extended to colleagues, guests, and clients alike.
Lee's faith in Christ was the steady foundation of his life, guiding his actions and outlook everyday. A lifelong Lutheran, he served faithfully in every congregation he joined. His deep commitment to his faith was evident through his years of service as Congregation President, Superintendent of Sunday School programs, Elder, and spiritual educator.
His dedication to sharing God's love and nurturing faith in others, especially his three "girls"- reflected his deep belief in living a life of purpose, service, and grace.
Lee will be remembered for his warmth, wit, and boundless love for his family. His favorite time of year was Christmas, earning him the affectionate nickname "Christmas Boy". Each holiday season, he delighted in setting up his Lionel train around the Christmas tree, with his grandchildren gathered close by.
Lee's life was rich with love, laughter, and faith - a legacy that will continue through those he loved so deeply.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Cindy, their three daughters - Lisa (Patrick) Perri; Gretchen (Jonathan) Larsen; and Kristin (Ryan) Smerillo. His beloved grandchildren - Daniel, Anna, and Luke Perri; Andrew and Johanna Larsen; and Cora, Gared, and Charles Smerillo. Sister, Geraldine Fletcher and nephews, Mark
(Tammy), Todd, and Tim - and MANY dear friends who were blessed to know him.
A celebration of Lee's life will be held on Tuesday, October 28th, at Grace Lutheran Church, 860 Banyan Drive, in Naples, Florida. Viewing will begin for guests at 1:00 PM, with a service to follow at 2:00 PM. Guests are invited to join the family in the fellowship hall for refreshments immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made to the Naples Alzheimer's Support Network https://support/network/donate/
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Oct
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Services provided by
Fuller Funeral Home & Cremation Service - North NaplesOnly 16 hours left for delivery to next service.