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Thomas Geiger Obituary
Thomas William
Thomas William Geiger passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 6, 2015, at Lutheran Village of Wolf Creek. He was 77 years old.
Tom was a lifelong resident of Toledo and graduated from DeVilbiss High School in 1955. Tom went on to the University of Toledo where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Education. While at UT, he served as President of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. Tom worked in the Toledo Public School System for over 30 years, retiring in 2000. Tom taught English at various schools, including Scott, Waite, Start, Bowsher and DeVilbiss. Tom always said of his students in his classroom: "they learn more than nouns and pronouns - they learn about the realities of life."
Tom served in the Peace Corps in Bogotá, Columbia. While in the Peace Corps, he worked in remote villages helping build schools, libraries, gardens, water wells and fish farms for the community. Upon returning to the states in 1964, Tom brought back his most cherished companion - his parrot Charlie. Charlie stayed with Tom until he passed away Thanksgiving night 2011 at the age of 110.
Anyone who ever met Tom knew of his sharp wit, old jokes, goofy hats and colorful shoes. His stories (many of them true) were legend in their own right.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Leroy Geiger and Verona Meade Geiger, and brother, Arthur Meade Geiger. Tom leaves behind two loving and devoted nieces, Rebecca Geiger of Toledo, and Jennifer Geiger of Indianapolis, IN; sister-in-law, Arlene Geiger of Toledo; special cousins, Cynthia (Jeff) Coleman of Holland, OH, and Allison (Daniel) Baptist of Loveland, CO; godson, Ian O'Phalen of Los Angeles, CA, and good friends, Arnold Elzey, Florence Fuerst, Max Korl, Sandra O'Phalen, and Kenneth Sharp, all of Toledo.
In keeping with Tom's wishes, there will not be a memorial service, however, a celebration of life event will be held at a later date to send him out in style. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions in Tom's name to either the Toledo Botanical Gardens or the Discovery Shop for the American Cancer Society (Sylvania, OH).
419-882-2033
www.reebfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Geiger
Patricia Donatelli
June 8, 2023
Another year and I still think about you and miss you! Love, Pat
Patricia L Donatelli
June 8, 2022
Dear Smiley, It is difficult to believe that it has been seven years since you passed. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you. I still enjoy looking at your photos that you sent me of your St. Patrick Day celebrations, and other fun moments -- like your tribute to Joe the Plumber. I am so happy that we became friends. I miss your letters and the little surprises that you sometimes left at my door. Daffodils will always remind me of you. I miss your physical presence my dear friend.But I believe you still check in with me to see how I am doing, and give me some guiding thoughts to help my day. I love you Smiley!
Bagg
July 9, 2015
Don Tomas - Thanks for all the memories.
Patricia Donatelli
June 23, 2015
Way back in the 1960's, my father (Dr. Charles Donatelli) was friends with a Baldy Wetzle who was an old-time vaudeville comedian and musician. Both Baldy and by dad had a mutual friend they called Smiley. I didn't know his actual name. I was fifteen at the time, but I remember Smiley -- a young man of twenty-something who was about to go on a journey with the Peace Corps.
Many decades later when my father passed, I found boxes of old reel tapes, recordings of Baldy and my father playing music together. There was also plenty of conversation in between songs. I got to appreciate the humor and music created by Baldy and his friends. On some of the tapes, there were recordings of Smiley, talking and joking.
I had the recordings made into CDs, and wished I could share them with descendents and friends of Baldy. I spent some time going through the phone book, calling names I thought might be relations of Baldy. I couldn't find anyone, and with some sadness, I gave up my quest. I wished I knew that Smiley's name, but I did not.
Some months later, on a completely different issue, I wrote a letter to the Blade. I only received one response to my editorial, a letter from some Tom Geiger. We were on opposite political sides and his letter made it clear what he thought of my opinions. I could have just ignored the letter, but it was so well written, I wrote him back stating that in spite of our differing opinions, I was impressed by his writing ability.
Tom wrote me back. He told me he had been a teacher for many years, and liked to write. He told me he had just written a piece for the Bend of the River magazine. It was about an old vaudeville comedian and musician someone I might not remember Baldy Wetzle. Tom told me back then he was called Smiley.
From that interesting coincidence, Smiley and I became friends. We had much to share from the past. And I always appreciated hearing his point of view, even when it differed from mine. I valued his friendship.
I imagine Tom/Smiley is now happily visiting with Baldy, my father, his brother and other family members. I bet Charlie the bird is happy to be reunited with him.
I will dearly miss him.
Patricia Donatelli
Mark Niehous
June 19, 2015
Te voy a extrenar amigo.. Todos Los buenos tiempos que tuvimos en Arnies y otros legates....Sizemore llamando me flaco !! Adios amigo.. Duermete en Paz ..
June 19, 2015
"I was born with the gift of laughter and the sense that the world was mad"
was one of Tom's favorite quotations.
Mr. Geiger ("heavy on the Mister", he would say) was an exceptionally
prolific and colorful English teacher who would adorn his classroom with
several posters and magazine photos as well as a small library of paperback
books. I was a student during his final year at Point Place Jr. High in the
mid-1970's when Tom introduced our class to the likes of Hemmingway,
Steinbeck, Dumas, Dickens, Wilde and Orwell as well as "Wherever I go,"
Victor Hugo.
Tom was an avid letter writer with a trademark penmanship and a great
wealth of interests and observations to share among countless friends
with whom he regularly corresponded. He liked to say "Some people
make Freudian slips, but I have Freudian ZIP!" Tom was always boldly
honest and always clever about whatever he chose to express.
Among his great beliefs was that "INTEREST" was the key to longevity.
Tom would advise, "As long as you have something to look forward to,
or want to do the next day, you will keep going". I am certain that he lived
that adage to the fullest, from holding court among friends at a saloon
to scoping out garage sales in several neighborhoods or practicing classical
music on his piano or watercolor painting and of course, reading and writing
always.
I am and will remain most humbly grateful for two decades plus of
unwavering and unconditional friendship, support, life lessons and
mentorship from one of the most generous and dearest souls I have ever
had the fortune and honor to know in my life: Thomas William Geiger.
Thank You for the ICONOLASTIC spirit that you inspired within everyone
who knew you. I can still hear you say, with an impish grin... "There are
no answers, so what is the question?"
~paul vargo
~augusta, ga
June 16, 2015
So long Mr.Geiger, we always had a good conversation and a good laugh when we saw each other.You always said, "who has more fun than people" I will never forget that. Have fun in heaven and rest in peace my friend.
Oh, Charlie!!!
June 16, 2015
Elin Rubin Richardson
jen
June 15, 2015
Mr Geiger was my teacher in high school. I also had the privilege of caring for him as a patient. I mean what I say when I say it was a privilege to care for him. He spoke great words of wisdom and never stopped praising his nieces! Condolences to the family~ luvnsun
June 15, 2015
Great teacher God bless the family class 1982 !
mike scott
June 15, 2015
One of the finest, funniest, and most witty people I have been privileged to call a friend. Mike Scott
Paula Welsh
June 15, 2015
Obviously a much loved man.
June 15, 2015
I WAS A STUDENT OF MR GEIGERS AT POINT PLACE JR HIGH CLASS OF "75" HE ALWAYS MADE HIS CLASS A FUN PLACE FROM THE RUBBER SPIDERS DROPPING FROM THE CEILING TO THE FRANKENSTIEN & DRACKULA POSTERS ON THE WALLS YOU NEVER KNEW WHAT TO EXPECT! THANKS FOR THE GREAT MEMORIES. MY SINCEREST CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY. ROB GRUBER.
Melanie (Reed) Stretchbery
June 15, 2015
As I remember Tom, I smile. In addition to his many years of teaching for the Toledo Public Schools, e held class at Arnie's Bar and Grill. The lessons were notable and the stories captivating. We always knew and loved when Tom Geiger was in the house! Thank you, Tom!
Jill Urbaniak (Galdys)
June 15, 2015
Mr. Geiger was my English teacher back in 93/94. I'll never forget reading To Kill A Mockingbird. Thank you for being a teacher! I went on to teach too.
Pat Mikolajczyk
June 15, 2015
Tom will be greatly missed by a lot of us at Costco's on Central/Secor. His witty sense of humor, hats, shoes. Crazy way he moved around on the electric cart. He always made my day. You will be missed friend. May you rest in peace.
June 15, 2015
We are sorry to learn of the passing of Thomas, but grateful for his service to our nation with the Peace Corps.
Our Condolences,
The National Peace Corps Association
Ernie Torres
June 15, 2015
Miss you greatly Tom.....
Jamie Stevens
June 14, 2015
I was a student of Mr. Geiger's twice and between my freshman year and my senior year he hadn't changed a bit, he even remembered who I was. He was a character, but a great teacher if you were willing to put in the effort. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.
Regina Pickett-Fisher
June 14, 2015
I will never forget his sarcasm, jokes, and personality!!! He was absolutely hilarious!!! One of the funniest memories Ihave of him, is him showing the class a picture of a water buffalo and saying, "That looks like somebody's mama, but I aint sayin' no names!!!" He was truly one of a kind !!! May he rest in heaven.
June 14, 2015
What a great teacher and a good man.
Cindy Taylor
June 14, 2015
I remember Mr Geiger from DeVilbiss and he was always one of my favorite teachers. He could always make us laugh. Rest in Peace. All my sympathies to your family.
Marty Voss
June 14, 2015
Tom will be missed. I looked forward to Tom coming into Costco, with is wild hats and shoes. Always called him handsome, that was what he liked me to call him. R.I.P. Handsome!!!
Sommer Wiederhold
June 14, 2015
Good ole Mr Geiger was one of my most memorable teachers for many reasons, both good and goofy. What a nice obituary. Rest in Heaven Mr. Geiger :)
cindy shaddeau ( wilton )
June 14, 2015
Tom was my teacher prayers out to the family rest in peace
Bob Sieving
June 14, 2015
I remember Tommy as a very fun loving guy and always called him my friend while in high school. I also graduated in 55.May he rest in peace!
June 14, 2015
He was very special to me quite possibly saved my life. If there is a memorial I would sure like to attend.peace be with family now. The world would be better with more men like him.
Mike Perez
June 14, 2015
I remember Mr. Geiger's sense of humor very well. Such the jokester. He was also a great teacher. So sad to hear of his passing. He was one of those people you thought would love forever & continue teaching. Now he truly is immortal. Rest in peace sir, you're truly missed. You definitely left a mark in my life.
Carla Skeldon
June 14, 2015
Mr. Geiger, you made class fun!! I remember him stringing up spiders on the ceiling, and during tests, lowering them down on our heads lol. He was definitely one of a kind, and will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Donna Ybarra-Perales
June 14, 2015
God Bless.
Jeff Thibert
June 14, 2015
I used to spar with Mr Geiger at Arnies...never again will there be another like him. With 2/3 of his brain tied behind his back, he could whip anybody. So many intelligent barbs learned and storiies to tell. Thanks Tom.
Kathy Keefer
June 14, 2015
I remember Mr Geiger he was my teacher in high school. I always liked him very colorful teacher. Condolences to the family
JORGE O'HENRY
June 14, 2015
HE WAS A PIECE OF WORK! WONDERFUL GUY & VERY VERY FUNNY! HE WENT TO SCOTT WITH MY DAD! GOD SPEED TOM!
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