Bernard J Geier

East Peoria - Bernard Joseph Geier, 89, of Omaha, NE, formally of East Peoria, IL and Welaka, FL, passed away Wednesday, August 17, 2016 in Omaha, NE. Bernard was born April 20, 1927 in Peoria, IL to Joseph and Eleanor (Dubois) Geier, Jr. He married Shirley Berneice Sharp on February 18, 1950.

Surviving are his two children, Barbara A. Geier of Omaha, NE and Phillip J. (Holly) Geier of Morton, IL; four grandchildren, Heather (Matt) Lund, Heidi (Greg Peitz) Moser, MD of Omaha, NE, Danielle Geier of Waukesha, WI, and Adam Geier of Morton, IL; three great grandchildren; one sister, Genevieve (Geier) Reeves of East Peoria, IL; and one brother, Lewis (Sandy) Geier of Creve Coeur, IL. Bernard was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Berneice; one brother, Gerald Geier, and one sister, Marcie (Geier) Ulm. Like so many others, Bernard graduated early from East Peoria High School, enlisting to serve his country during World War II for the United States Navy. Following his service, Bernard went on to establish Bernie Geier Construction Company building custom homes and later swimming pools in the greater Peoria area. Bernard retired at the age of 57 to pursue his passion in life, bass fishing. Bernie and Bernice moved to Georgetown, Florida to live on the St. John’s River. His fishing expertise and the ability to locate and catch huge bass soon turned into a second career as a professional fishing guide. His favorite fishing area was a beautiful clear flowage called Salt Springs Run. His prowess as a guide and fisherman earned him the nickname of “The Mayor of Salt Run” by the local resort owners and other guides. Bernard was proud to have caught over 200 largemouth bass over 10 pounds. Bernard was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus Fr. Raho Council in Morton, IL and a member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. He was past Governor and Secretary of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #1641 in Crescent City, FL and a charter member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge, also in Crescent City. Bernard’s hobbies included darts, pool and playing poker with friends, always having a joke for every occasion. A Mass will be held at 10:30 am Monday, August 22, 2016 at St. Monica Catholic Church in East Peoria, IL with visitation 1 hour prior to the Mass. Cremation rites will be accorded. Inurnment with full Military Honors will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in West Peoria, IL.

Memorials may be made to the Mooseheart Child City or Christian Appalachian Relief Fund. Online condolences may be left at www.RemmertFuneralHome.com