James R. Geisen

February 24, 1930 - January 25, 2021

James R. Geisen, 90, passed away at 8:30 am Monday January 25, 2021 at home with his family by his side. He was born on February 24, 1930 in Alton, IL the son of William N. & Anna M. (Euteneuer) Geisen. James married Bernadine J. Brinkman on October 24, 1953 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Brussels. She preceded him in death on November 19, 2018. He served in the Army during the Korean War and then worked for Illinois Bell Telephone where he retired in 1991 after serving as mechanic foreman for their fleet. One of his favorite passions was Barbequing ribs. James is survived by nine children and their spouse, Diana Geisen, Tom & Jill Geisen, Dan & Vickie Geisen, Sharon Hayes, Roy & Sara Geisen, Lori & Chris Pember, Patty & David Eichen, Jeanne Naeger and Christina & Matt Noble; sixteen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren and one expectant great grandchild. A private viewing for family will be held at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am Saturday January 30, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton with Fr. Jeremy Paulin OMV celebrant. The Mass will also be available for viewing by live feed on St. Mary’s Church Facebook page for those unable to attend. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens Cemetery in Bethalto with military rites being conducted by Alton VFW Post 1308. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing, occupancy, and mask wearing guidelines will be followed as mandated by the CDC. Memorials may be made to: Masses, St. Mary’s Church or the Alton VFW Post 1308