Obituary of Richard D Geiger

Richard D. Geiger passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, in Waterford, Michigan on June 27th, 2019 at the age of 93. Richard is survived by his wife of 71 years, Helen Geiger (nee Powers), his children: Laura Geiger, Teresa Awad, and Tim Geiger and Judy Witzman-Geiger. Brothers Charles Geiger, James and Betty Geiger. Grandchildren: Elijah Geiger, Leonna and Kevin Hale, Natacha Fahey and Jim Letz, Jenna Awad and Nick Nordstrom, and Kate Geiger and Gabe Masek. Great grandchildren: Dominic, Brennan, and Jett Hale, and Viola Letz. He was preceded in death by his brothers Bill Geiger, and Bob Geiger, in-laws Frances Geiger, Gertrude and William Lawson, Bernard and Joann Quinn, and Gerald Huizenga. Richard was born on June 11, 1926 in Flint, Michigan to Frank and Julitta (nee Houle) Geiger. He married Helen Powers on December 27th, 1947. They lived in Flint and raised their family there until they retired and moved permanently to their summer home on Secord Lake in Gladwin. A proud World War II veteran, Richard enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17. He served on LST 632 which was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. LST 632 was actively involved in several campaigns including the invasion of Balikpapan, which was one of the last battles of the war. Many years later he was active in the Michigan LST Association and helped to refurbish the Musekgon LST Ship Museum, donating his time and memorabilia. In 2017, at the age of 91, he was thrilled to join an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. He began working for Michigan Bell shortly after returning from the war, where he was an active CWA Union member. He retired 36 years later and enjoyed painting, bird watching, cooking, refinishing and caning chairs, and fishing. Like his mother, Richard famously preferred to fix or repair anything broken rather than replace it. But of course, his mother didnt paint her tools orange. Richard was an avid fisherman and spent many days fishing in the Upper Peninsula, as well as on Secord Lake where his bluegill fileting skills were unmatched. Despite his gruff exterior, Richard loved dogs and babies, and they always loved him back. He affectionately called his grandkids "tutti-lumps" well into their adulthood. And he was always ready with a helping hand for anyone who needed it. He and Helen made friends everywhere they went, including their winter home in Bradenton, Florida where they spent 23 happy years at Palm Village with an array of friends and relatives from far flung places. He enjoyed the Florida sun, the fresh grapefruit and oranges from their backyard, and going to the dogs, (i.e.the dog races) with his brothers and friends. Burial of cremated remains with military honors will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Rd., Holly, MI 48442 on Thursday July 18, 2019 at 2:00 pm sharp. Please join us for food and drinks immediately following the service at Overtyme Grill and Taproom, 4724 Dixie Hwy, Waterford, MI. All are welcome to attend and share a toast or a story to celebrate Richards life. The family would like to thank The Medical Team Hospice for their kindness and care of Richard in his last days.