Rev. Ralph J. Geissler

Rev. Ralph J. Geissler 91, died Tuesday October 16, 2001 at St. Joseph Hospital Palliative Care Unit, Marshfield. He was born July 23, 1910 in Chippewa Falls, son of the late Henry and Mathilda (Kressin) Geissler. He received his elementary education at St. Peter School, Tilden, Wisconsin and in 1930 graduated from McDonnell Memorial High School, Chippewa Falls. A Bachelor of Arts degree was earned at St. John University, Collegeville, where he also completed his theological studies. Father Geissler was ordained to the priesthood by the Most Reverend William R. Griffin on June 11, 1938 at St. Joseph Cathedral, LaCrosse. Father Geissler's initial priestly assignments were as an Assistant Pastor at Holy Trinity Parish, LaCrosse from June until September 1938 and at St. Mary Parish, Wausau where he served from 1938 to 1943. In November 1943 he was appointed Administrator of St. Joseph Parish, Fairview, with St. Anthony Parish, Augusta and St. John Parish, Fairchild, as missions. He remained there until December 1945 when he was appointed as Pastor of St. Boniface Parish, Waumandee. In June 1949 Father Geissler was appointed Pastor of St. Mary Parish, Stanley, where he was responsible for the building of a new school. In 1957 he was appointed Pastor of St. Paul Parish, Bloomer. His final pastoral assignment was at St. Anthony Parish, Athens, where he servied from 1963 until 1978 when he was granted status of senior priest. He continued to reside in Athens until June 2000 at which time he moved to the Angelus Retirement Community. Survivors include two brothers, Rev. Lloyd Geissler, Marathon and Eugene (Jo) Geissler, Granger, Indiana, one sister, Lydia Lanzel, Durand, two sisters-in-law, Bernice Geissler and Leona Geissler, and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers, Rhinehard, Richard and Delvin Geissler and one sister, Evelyn Eaton. Two Funeral Masses will be celebrated for Father Geissler. The first will be 11:00 a.m. Friday October 19, 2001 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. The Most Reverend Raymond L. Burke, Bishop of the Diocese of LaCrosse will officiate. Rev. Stephen F. Gross will be the homilist. Friends may call on Thursday from 4 - 8 p.m. at St. Anthony Church, Athens, with Evening Prayer from the Office of the Dead at 7:30 p.m. Friends may call again on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at St. Anthony Parish, Athens. The second Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday October 20, 2001 at St. Peter Catholic Church, Tilden. Rev. William P. Felix will officiate and Rev. Thomas J. Smith will be the homilist. Friends may call on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at St. Peter Parish. Burial will be in the St. Peter Parish cemetery in Tilden. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.