William C. Geiser

William “Doc Geis” C. Geiser, 73, formerly of Springfield passed away unexpectedly at his home in Winter Haven, FL on Sunday, December 2, 2007. Bill was born in Springfield on September 23, 1934, the son of William and Irene Geiser. He attended Blessed Sacrament grade school, Cathedral Boys High School, Springfield College, and graduated from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry in 1958. He married Beverly Martin (his high school sweetheart) in 1957. He served as a Captain in the Army at Fort Ord in Monterey, CA from 1958 to 1960. Bill practiced dentistry for 36 years in Springfield and retired in September 1996. He was a member of the G.V. Black Dental Society, The Elks Club, American Business Club, and Illini Country Club. He loved his golf and bridge games and was an avid Griffin High School Football fan, Fighting Illini fan as well a loyal Green Bay Packer fan. He enjoyed watching his favorite teams, but not as much as he enjoyed having his children and grandchildren around him during family vacations. He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years: Beverly; his five children: Paula (husband, Tom) Balch of Clinton, NY, Bill of Springfield, John of Dallas, TX, Gia (husband, Levent) Ozyurt of Springfield, Bart (wife, Jessica) of London, England; his most cherished grandchildren and one on the way: Kate, Anne and Elizabeth Balch of Clinton, NY, Jack and Berk Ozyurt of Springfield, Ryan-Forkin Geiser and Conner Geiser of San Antonio, TX; sister: Mary (husband, Jay) Cardosi of Littleton, CO; and brother John (wife, Althea) of Pekin, IL. Family will receive friends on Thursday, December 6, 2007 from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL. Visitation will begin with a prayer service. Funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 7, 2007 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 S. Walnut, Springfield with Rev. Msgr. David Lantz celebrant. A private family graveside ceremony will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart-Griffin Athletic Booster Club, 1200 W. Washington, Springfield, IL 62702. Bill’s family would like to extend a very special thank-you to Dr. & Mrs. John Kissel and Dr. & Mrs. Len Giannone for their incredible kindness and support in the past few months.