Gary grew up in and graduated high school in Monroe, NE. He spent two years at Wayne State College before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. He served his country for four years in Europe during the Vietnam War. Afterwards, he attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and earned an accounting degree. A dedicated realtor for over 40 years, Gary also pursued home building with his son and managed several rental properties.
Gary met the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betty” Will and engaged after a short courtship. They married June 5, 1971, enjoying 53 years of wedded bliss. They built their forever home in Lincoln where they lived for over 50 years. During that time they had three children, Vicki, Cheryl and Stephen, and two lovable dogs.
Gary had a heart of gold. He was always willing to listen, lend a hand, offer advice and see the good in people, no matter their situation. Gary had a love of music and enjoyed playing guitar, accordion, piano and singing along to his favorite tunes. He had a passion for the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening. Gary especially enjoyed countless weekends at their cabin.
Family was everything to Gary. He kept a bridal photo of his wife, Betty, at the front of his wallet. He loved spending time with his wife, kids and grandkids and enjoyed attending their activities. He loved hosting family at their cabin for Thanksgiving. He would make his famous biscuits and gravy in the mornings for his guests. Gary showed off his culinary skills, cooking delicious meals for his family.
Gary loved Nebraska football and sports. He rarely missed an opportunity to catch the games on TV or radio. Gary always looked forward to celebrating holidays, donning a Christmas Santa hat, scary Halloween mask or patriotic Fourth of July hat. He was a member of Nebraska Post 3 of The American Legion. Gary and Betty were founding members of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lincoln, NE.
Proceeded in death by his mother, Ida Geiser; father, Samuel Geiser; brothers, Warren (Doris) and Leonard (Vera) Geiser; father-in-law, Loren Will; mother-in-law, Clare Will; brothers-in-law, Jerry Zimmerman and Ken White.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Geiser; daughter, Vicki Geiser (Fiancé, Chad Nelson), Yankton, SD; daughter, Cheryl (Will) McQuillen, Lincoln, NE; son, Stephen (Melissa) Geiser; sisters-in-law, Marilyn White and Karen Zimmerman; brother-in-law, Larry (Marti) Will; grandsons, Spencer Prenosil, Grant and Lane Geiser; granddaughters, Amera Prenosil and Arabella McQuillen; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 19 from 5-7 PM at Roper & Son’s South Chapel (3950 Hohensee Drive, Lincoln, NE). Rosary to follow at 7 PM. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 20 at 10 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (1940 S 77th Street, Lincoln, NE) with reception to follow. Rite of Christian Burial will be held at 2:30 PM at St. Joseph – St. Patrick Cemetery (27275 250th Ave, Columbus, NE).
Memorials may be directed to the American Arthritis Foundation, Cedars Home for Children or St. Jude’s Hospital.