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Joseph Severus Geisel III

October 18, 1928 - February 11, 2023

Joseph Severus Geisel, III, 94, passed away on February 11, 2023.  Joe was born October 18, 1928, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Joseph and Dorothy (Helm) Geisel. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Geraldine Finucane Geisel, son Joseph S. Geisel, IV, and sister Dorothy Ann Shillingburg. He is survived by his children: Mary Jo DeMaio (Warren), Katie Bowler (Bill), John (Cathy), Annie Monak (Tim), and Bebe Harrington (Jim); 16 grandchildren: Allison DeMaio, Brian (Stasia) DeMaio, Billy (Billy Tymon) DeMaio, Joe Geisel V (Gretchen), Jessie Heaney (Sam), Meg Cowan, Michaela Heaney (Coleman), Kelly Bowler, Erin Bowler, E.J. Geisel, Josh Geisel, Emily Geisel, Timothy Monak, Josie Monak, Eileen Harrington, and Clare Harrington; 6 great-grandchildren: Sev, William, Bo, Jobie, Jeter, and Greer; daughter-in-law Mary Cowan; brother-in-law Don Shillingburg and many nieces and nephews.

Joe attended St. Francis Grade School and Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, MO. He is a proud graduate of the University of Notre Dame, class of 1949. Joe later served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy on the USS Pecatonica, serving his country in Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific.  On October 12, 1957, he married Geraldine Finucane. They raised their six children in Kansas City, Missouri. Joe’s professional career was in the grain business, primarily as the owner of Geisel Grain Company at the Kansas City Board of Trade. Joe loved spending time with family and his lifelong friends from St. Peter’s, the “Supper Club,” the “Discussion Club,” and his golf buddies. Joe loved art, architecture, and history and based much of his travel around these interests.  

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Joe’s commitment to Catholic education, the family suggests donations to these three Catholic High Schools: St. Teresa’s Academy (Geisel Family Scholarship), Notre Dame de Sion High School (Geraldine Finucane Geisel Scholarship), or Rockhurst High School (Joe Geisel, ‘77, Scholarship).

The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, March 4, at 10:00 am at St. Peter’s Church, 701 E. Meyer Blvd, Kansas City, MO. Live-streaming available through St. Peter’s Church YouTube channel @StPetersKC.  

 
Send Condolences
Additional Service:
Memorial Mass
Location:
St. Peter’s Church
Address:
701 E. Meyer Blvd.
City:
Kansas City
State:
Missouri
Zip Code:
64131
Date of Service:
Mar 04, 2023
Time of Service:
10:00 am
Additional Information:
No Additional Information Added
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map

Condolences

Amy Cheng Vollmer Feb 15, 2023

Next door neighbor on Walnut Street ,Wilmington ,Delaware

Mr. Geisel was always smiling, whistling, wearing his bow tie as he arrived home from work. He was a wonderful next door neighbor and raised wonderful kids with his loving wife.

ANNA CATALANO Feb 16, 2023

As their next door neighbor on Walnut Street, our family had the privilege of knowing Mr. Geisel and his wonderful family for many years. I will never forget his forever smile and wonderful attitude, his words of encouragement to every child in the neighborhood, and his and Mrs. Geisel's incredible friendship toward our immigrant parents. May he rest in eternal peace.

Ted Anderson Feb 17, 2023

Family Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

What a charming guy! I have great memories of hanging around the Geisel house during high school. Pop will be missed.

Kris and Bret Devine Feb 27, 2023

Friend ,Lees Summit ,Missouri

What a great guy. We lived in the Walnut street some years after them and met him then. Just a very genuine and kind person. Prayers are with the family!

Molly mcgee Mar 01, 2023

Friend ,Kansas city ,Missouri

What a great guy Joe was - always with a smile. A good friend of my brothers Tommy.

Stefani Brancato Mar 06, 2023

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Bebe & family, I am so sorry for your loss. I know your Dad was an incredible father, so loved by all of you. Sending you strength in the coming months.

Robert Schieber Mar 07, 2023

friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Dear Katie and John and the Geisel Family - I am so sorry for your loss of your wonderful father. Please know that your family has been and will remain in my thoughts and prayers. Mr. Geisel was a great guy and a wonderful father. God bless.

Craig Smith Mar 15, 2023

Family Friend ,Leawood ,Kansas

To all the Geisel Family. Joe (Mr. Geisel to me in high school) was a wonderful and kind person who always made me feel like part of the family. He will be missed. Our prayers are with you all.