Joseph "Joe" Conrad Geist

Joe was born in 1925 in Lincoln to Alex & Elsie (Zelenka) Geist. He graduated from Lincoln High School and enlisted in the US Navy during WWII, being sent to Japan at the end of the conflict. He served our country for 3 years in active duty and an additional 22 years in the Naval Reserve in Lincoln.

After returning from the war, he worked for the Nebraska Roads Department. That road took him to Minden, NE, where he met the love of his life, Barbara Lou Oertwig. They were married on Feb. 28, 1948 and raised three daughters, Georgia, Karen and Patti.

After attending college at Peru State and Doane College, Joe became a Product Design Engineer for Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company for 22 years holding numerous patents.

Joe left Goodyear to assume the leadership of the family manufacturing business, Winders & Geist, which was founded by his father, Alex Geist and Rex Winders, serving as President. As the business expanded he became Vice President of Geist, Inc.

Joe was very active in the Lincoln community. He and Barb were lifelong members of NEUCC church, serving faithfully in many capacities throughout the years. He served on the Board of Directors of Cornhusker Bank and participated in the Federal Reserve meetings in Kansas City. He was on the Lower Platte South NRD (Natural Resource District), was very active in the Lincoln Center Kiwanis Club, as well as the American Legion. Joe was a dedicated blood donor sharing well over 30 gallons! You may have even seen him driving the train at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo!

Along with his family he enjoyed summer vacations at a small family resort, “Timberlake Resort,” on Lake Norfolk in Arkansas, where he fished, and taught his girls to swim and water ski, always reminding them that “he made them look good on those skis!” He was a skilled woodworker and gardener too.

Joe’s family was the very most important thing in his life! He cherished every visit and loved family gatherings throughout the years…many times huddled around the TV watching the Huskers. He generously shared his Husker football and basketball tickets with us making for great memories! He was always interested in what interested each of us, and he participated in as many activities as possible.

Joe never knew a stranger and will be remembered for his welcoming smile, his kindness to all and his unselfish generosity. Joe’s home since 2008 was Legacy Terrace in NE Lincoln whose staff became extended family and dear friends.

Joe was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Barbara, as well as his daughters, Georgia and Karen.

He is survived by his daughter, Patti, and husband Martin Edwards,

brother Jack Geist and wife, Connie, sister Kay McCartney, granddaughter Tania Kruce and husband Doug, granddaughter Amanda Remmenga and husband Jim, grandson Matthew Edwards and wife Courtney, grandson Joseph Edwards and wife Kate, as well as great grandchildren, Noah, Jordan and Eden Kruce, Robert & Cecily Remmenga, Lukas, Daniel and Rory Edwards.

Visitation for Joe will be Friday, September 23, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68512. A celebration of life will be 1:00 pm Saturday, September 24, 2022 at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. Interment to follow at Lincoln Memorial Park. For more information go to www.lincolnfh.com. The family wishes memorials to the family to be designated at a later date.