David Michael Geier

David Michael Geier, age 69 passed away on August 15, 2025, after a courageous lifelong journey. He lived with extraordinary strength, humor and heart leaving behind love, creativity and joy that will continue to ripple through generations.

David was born and raised in the beloved town of Richmond, Indiana, a place that shaped his spirit and held his heart. He cherished the people, its history and stories, often weaving that sense of place into his work and life.

From a young age, David possessed the gift for seeing the world differently. As a photographer, he noticed the small details others might overlook. Moments of beauty and truth. His camera was an extension of his heart, allowing him to capture timeless images for thousands of people. One of his proudest achievements came early in his career when he photographed poet Denise Levertov during a rare interview at Earlham College. Known for avoiding cameras, she allowed David a chance that resulted in a portrait now displayed in the Smithsonian Museum. For a humble man from Richmond, this recognition was both remarkable and deeply affirming. His art continues to speak, even now through the images he left behind.

His creativity didn’t end with photography. He was also a talented musician and songwriter, finding peace and expression in melodies and lyrics. Music was a sacred part of his life, a way of healing, a source of joy and language he shared with his children. He loved live music, jam sessions and the community music created. He was fully alive when the first note was struck. His love for music was not only in hearing it but feeling it and he passed this to his children.

Above all, David’s greatest role and his greatest joy was being a father and a pappy. His love for God was at the center of the way he lived, and his faith guided how he raised his children, Charlie and Hannah, and later into the lives of his grandchildren. His love was not limited to his own family, he was a father figure to his children’s friends over the years. With his open home, his delicious meals and unconditional love, he built with his wife Kem safety for so many who needed it. Known for his humor, quick wit and playful spirit, he carried the soul of a big kid himself. Sprinkled with just enough dark humor to keep everyone laughing.

As a pappy, his joy only deepened. His grandkids brought him light, laughter and purpose and he loved watching them grow. The same playful spirit that made him a wonderful dad made him an unforgettable grandpa.

David’s love story with his wife, Kem, was the his lifeline. Together for 44 years, they built a full life of adventure, family and dedication. He spoke of her often, admiring her for her strength, her devotion as a mother and her grace as a Gigi. She was his person and the life they created was his greatest blessing.

Beyond his art, his music and his family. David was someone who taught others to live full. He embraced the beauty in the small things, found joy in laughter and encouraged those around him to live in the moment. He showed healing could be found in the music, in gathering together and especially in the stillness of nature. His favorite place in the world was on Lake George, where he found peace. Lake George is and always will be a sacred place for his family to remember him.

David lived fully, fought bravely and loved deeply. He will be carried on not only by his wife, children and grandchildren but throughout the countless lives he touched with his art, his music and his boundless love. He will be missed more than words can say, but his presence will forever be felt in laughter of his family and friends, his music that stirs our soul and the quiet beauty of Lake George.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry Geier and Roselyn Geier; his brothers, Bill Geier and Pete Geier.

He is survived by his wife, Kem Rodefeld-Geier; his children, Charlie (Jami) Geier and Hannah (Kaleb) Donahue.; his grandchildren, Kiptyn, Ezra, Sawyer, Ridley, Lukas and Rozelyn; his siblings, Marybeth Miller, Stephen (Karen) Geier and Kevin (Dede) Geier; sister-in-law Sue Geier (wife of his late brother Peter Geier); and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews.

The family asks that donations be made to Lake George Conservancy to honor his favorite place.

https://lakegeorgeconservancy.com/donation-lake-george/