Bill Geelhart

William Geelhart, age 80, passed away on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at the Oakview Nursing Home.

William P. Geelhart was born on July 11, 1945 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of Percy and Mary Ellen (Coats) Geelhart. Bill and his family moved every three years for his dad’s job on the railroad, but Milwaukee has been considered his home base over the years. Bill graduated from high school in Washington. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and his master’s degree at Mankato State University.

Bill met Karen Reisch while working at DuKane Corporation in St. Charles, IL. They went on a few dates before Bill knew Karen was the love of his life. On September 5, 1970, Bill and Karen were united in marriage in St. Charles, IL.

Giving, thankful, generous – These are just a few words to describe Bill. His career as a social worker focused on these traits in his daily work. Bill worked with runaways and gangs in Milwaukee and with children and young adults with special needs for many years. In his personal life, Bill showed his caring heart of gold through his actions and passed that legacy on to his kids and grandkids. Bill was a devoted man of God. He shared time with his wife daily, praying the rosary and other prayers for their family.

Bill was a family man. He cherished his wife of nearly 55 years, passed on his tender heart to his children, and adored his grandchildren. Bill took on a new role when the grandkids came along, he was playful and may have spoiled them from time to time.

Bill was quite a storyteller; some weren’t sure if he was serious or just pulling their leg. He would tell elaborate stories to see just how long he could keep his audience hooked. Bill had numerous hobbies, reading, cross-stitching, embroidery, stone and wood carving, and collecting marbles to name a few. One of his favorite past times is going out to eat and visiting with his family and friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Percy and Mary Ellen; his daughter, Katie in 2003; his son, Shane in 2016; and his sisters, Nancy Benjamin and Pat Buban. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of nearly 55 years, Karen; his sons, Chris (Denise) of Bloomington, IL and Ted (Kim) of Conrad, IA; and his grandchildren, Jacob, Ainsley, Ginny, Grace, and Sammi.

Friends are welcome at 4:30 P.M. on Monday, July 28, 2025 for a rosary, with visitation being held from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. at Mitchell Family Funeral Home. A vigil service will be held at 7:00 P.M. following visitation. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at St. Francis of Assisi – St. Henry’s Catholic Church of Marshalltown. A private family burial will take place at the Elmwood – St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Mason City, IA. Memorial donations may be directed to the Oakview Nursing Home activity fund.

Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted to care for Bill and his family. For more information or to leave online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

Memorials:

Oakview Nursing Home, 511 E Center Street, Conrad, Iowa, 50621. Ph. 641-366-2212