Henry Bernard Geise, age 87, of Quincy, IL and a former resident of Estero, FL, passed away December 1, 2023, at home in Quincy. Henry was born April 3, 1936, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Quincy, IL. He was the son of Bernard Henry and Violet Marie (Wabel) Geise. Henry was the oldest of 4 children and the only son.
He loved to tell people about how he dated many girls in his teens, but after his first date with Jill Groves, he knew he had found “the one”. Henry and Jill were married on August 6, 1960, at Quincy College Chapel. They celebrated 63 years of marriage this year.
Henry attended St. Boniface Grade School and was a 1954 graduate of Christian Brothers High School.
He graduated from Quincy College in 1959 with a degree in Accounting. After graduation, he went to Chicago and worked for Lybrand, Ross Brothers, and Montgomery, while living with his Uncle Glen Wabel and wife Bernadine. Jill graduated from Quincy College in 1960 and after she and Henry married that August, they moved to Elmhurst, Il. Henry continued to work for Lybrand and Jill taught kindergarten.
In 1961, Henry decided to enter Law School at the University of Illinois in Champaign. He graduated from Law School in 1963 and he and Jill moved back to Quincy where Henry joined his father-in-law (Chester Groves) in his law practice.
Henry was also in the U.S. Army Reserves, he served 6 months active duty at Fort Leonard Wood, MO in 1960; he received an honorable discharge from the Army for medical reasons.
Henry was a lawyer in private practice in Quincy for nearly 60 years. In the early years, he also taught Business Law classes in the evenings at Quincy College.
He was also appointed Quincy City Attorney, a position that he held for a number of years. It was during his tenure as City Attorney that he formed many friendships with the employees at City Hall.
Henry was owner/President of Maid Rite Sandwich Shop and the former Maid Rite East Sandwich Shop. In his younger years, he could often be found working behind the counter making Maid Rites or outside cleaning up the parking lot. He was a very “hands-on” owner who took pride in being involved in the day-to-day running of the business. He never shied away from hard work.
Henry looked forward to the 100-year anniversary of Maid Rite, which will be in 2028.
The family plans to celebrate that milestone in his honor. And, no, Blessing Hospital has not purchased the Maid Rite!!
Henry possessed a calm demeanor and had a wonderful sense of humor.
For many years, he acted as emcee at the Beaux Arts Ball, a role that suited his affable personality.
He and Jill have a group of lifelong friends that are like family to them, he loved those friends dearly.
Henry’s wife Jill, and his family meant the world to him. Everything he did was for them and to ensure they were well taken care of. His grandchildren especially were his pride and joy. He treasured time spent with them, especially their family trips to Florida, Colorado, and Lake of the Ozarks.
Henry loved the outdoors and spent countless hours working on projects and fishing at “the Cabin.” His legacy there will be carried out by Mike and Caiden.
In addition to spending time with family, Henry loved to golf and spent many hours on the golf course with his buddies at QCC and Pelican Sound. He also enjoyed playing cards with the guys.
He often expressed that he had lived a great life and was thankful for the many opportunities afforded to him. His life was only made better by the existence of chocolate chip cookies, he never met one that he didn’t like!!
Henry was of the Catholic faith and attended Our Lady of Light Catholic Church in Ft. Myers, FL and the Church of St. Peter in Quincy.
In addition to his wife Jill, survivors include their two children: a son, Michael Geise and a daughter, Lisa Knuffman and her husband Bryan; grandchildren, Taylor Knuffman and her fiancé Payton Welch and Caiden Geise and his significant other Payten Rice, all of Quincy. A bonus granddaughter, Destiny Aden, of Provo, UT. Henry’s sisters, Judy Talken of Quincy; Linda Hilgenbrink of Bridgeton, MO and Debbie Steeples and her husband Robert of Quincy.
Several nieces and nephews, along with their spouses and children also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers-in-law, Rich Hilgenbrink and Don Talken; and a nephew, Mark Talken.
A Memorial Mass was held Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at the Church of St. Peter with Rev. Zach Samples officiating.
Memorials are suggested to Quincy Medical Group Dialysis Patient Assistance Fund, Blessing Rieman College of Nursing, or to Blessing Foundation for Hospice.
Messages may be shared online at http://www.dukerandhaugh.com?
