August 16, 1951 - November 2, 2024
John Michael Geishecker, 73, passed away in Fort Dodge on Nov. 2, 2024, with his sister by his side. He was born Aug. 16, 1951, to John and Beatrice Geishecker of Livermore. He was the fourth generation to be named John and got the nickname Little Johnny (despite growing to be 6’4”).
John’s sister, Barb, was his best friend. Doctors told his parents that he would never walk or talk, but as soon as his younger sister started doing those things, so did he. They were close in age and even closer throughout life. Growing up on the family farm outside Saint Joe, they had playful competitions such as who could finish doing the dishes fastest, even though John always washed while Barb dried. They loved playing Yahtzee and John usually won. They even had a secret language.
John was raised with a strong Catholic faith. He trusted in God and talked to the Father in prayer. John received his First Communion at Saint Joe. He loved Father Schumacher’s sermons and knew all the answers in religious education class. John was pure of heart.
A wonderful woman from Galbraith opened a home-based school in Algona where John learned to read and do math. When he was 13, he went to Saint Colletta’s in Wisconsin. After job training, John moved to Fort Dodge and worked at a sheltered workshop for the next 40 years.
John kept up with current events. He subscribed to the newspaper and loved to watch television. A favorite show from childhood was “The House with the Magic Window.” He also liked to color.
John spent every weekend with his parents until they were gone. Barb took John on two vacations, to Las Vegas and Branson. When he moved to Grandview Care Center in Dayton, he looked forward to weekly visits from Barb. She hosted bingo for the residents and ensured John got outside to feel the breeze and sunshine. The siblings went on day trips to check on the crops and to visit the farm and the Saint Joe cemetery.
John’s parents are there to greet him in heaven, along with his two baby siblings, grandparents and many other relatives. Left to mourn this loss are his beloved sister, Barbara (Ed) Wright, his nieces Melissa (Greg) Pray and Vanessa Brayton (Mark Wade), extended family and his friends at Grandview.
“My heart is heavy. Not only because you are gone but because that is where I carry you.” - Sara Rian
“Every life is noted and is cherished, and nothing loved is ever lost or perished.” - Madeleine L’Engle
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in rural Bode. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time at the church on Wednesday. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Please wear bright colors to celebrate John’s life. The Mason-Lindhart Funeral & Cremation Service of Humboldt is in charge of the arrangements. www.masonlindhart.com.