Gerald John Geier

May 31, 1932 – February 27, 2014

Gerald John Geier (“Jerry”) was born on the family farm in East Peoria, IL, on May 31, 1932, the fourth child in a family of two girls and three boys. His parents, Joseph and Eleanor (Dubois) Geier, were both of simple, hard-working, devoutly Catholic German and French ancestry. His mother had a wonderful sense of humor, and his father as well, though he was more likely to be serious, weighed down by the responsibilities of factory work by day, farm work by evening, and providing for a family during the Depression and war years. Jerry and his siblings did their share of hard work on the farm, where his father raised mostly fruit and berries, but the Geier boys took advantage of playing ball with their Geier cousins who lived on the neighboring farm whenever possible.

Jerry attended a local one-room country grade school. He graduated in 1950 from Spaulding Catholic High School in Peoria, IL. His first job was at Hyster forklift company in Peoria. After being drafted into the Army in 1952, he served in the Korean War until 1954. The following year, he entered Bradley University in Peoria to study mechanical engineering. In July 1956, on a trip to California with a friend, he met his future wife, Janet Kell. Upon returning to Illinois to continue his college education, he saved up his money to fly Jan back to Illinois. Jan arrived in October 1956, and they were engaged in January and married in June 1957.

Their first son, Mike, was born in June 1958 in Peoria. Jerry graduated from Bradley University in January 1959 and one month later was offered a job at North American Aviation in California. Their second son, Dave, was born in July 1959. Jerry and Jan bought their first home in Torrance on the GI bill in July 1960. Their third son, Steve, was born in January 1961, followed by Rick in August 1962, and Jerry Jay in January 1965. In March 1965, Jerry received a job at TRW Aerospace, and by July 1967 they moved to their current Torrance residence. Jerry was involved on the Apollo 11 project, testing the engine that landed the first astronauts on the moon in July 1969.

For Jerry, the highlights of the year were Christmas with the family and happy family vacations, visiting relatives in Illinois with side trips to natural attractions across the country. In the Geier home, Jerry always set the example with his faith, providing a solid Catholic atmosphere. He and other family members were actively involved in Nativity Catholic parish, where Jerry was the head of the ushers at the 12:30 mass. He was always devoted to the rosary and prayed it nightly with his family.

Jerry’s winning smile and personality gained friends easily. He was known for his wit and sense of humor, with which he often entertained those around him not only in social settings but even on the job. He and Jan made their home a place of good times and memories for family and guests.

In 2004, Jerry started showing signs of Parkinson's disease. Jerry and Jan celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary in June 2013. On January 2, 2014, Jerry was hospitalized and remained in hospital care until his passing on February 27, 2014.

He was preceded in death by his sister Marcella Ulm (Marvin) and sister-in-law Bernie (wife of Bernard Geier). He is survived by his wife; five sons; two brothers--Bernard and Lewis (Sandi); a sister Genevieve Reeves (Donald); thirteen grandchildren (Robyn, Kristen, Aprille, Melissa, Matthew, Megan, Andrew, Melanie, Zachary, Michelle, Monica, Michael, and Mark); and numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews, and an aunt. He attended the wedding of his first grandchild, Robyn, in June 2013 to Daniel Cornejo.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.