Edwin Robert Geiger

Edwin R. Geiger Jr. went home peacefully to his Lord on August 13, 2015 at the age of 85 in the comfort of his second home, Kaweah Delta Hospital. Robert was born on November 28, 1929 in Visalia, CA, to Edwin & Marie Geiger who migrated to Visalia (pop:5,500) in the early 1920's by way of the Model T Ford from Herscher Illinois. He attended Washington Grammer School and while attending Visalia Union High School, he was the Head Yell Leader, A trumpet player in the Jazz Stage Band, and the Valley Track Champion for the 100-yrd low hurdles. Upon graduating from VUHS in 1947 he traveled the old dirt Alkan Hi-way by way of a Studebaker car with his parents to Anchorage Alaska, and worked laying cement sidewalks in downtown Anchorage. In 1950 he graduated from the College of the Sequioas, also working at the Visalia Fox Theater as an usher/assistant manager. There he caught the eye of a cute box ticket girl-- Dorothy Pendola-- whose pioneer family traveled to Visalia in the 1850's by wagon train. Robert and Dorothy were married on February 2, 1952; it was a marriage that would last for 62 years. In 1953 Robert graduated from University California SF College of Pharmacy. 1955 SF Medical School, MD Degree and in 1957 US Army, Lieutenant, Letterman Hospital Presidio, San Francisco. From 1958 - 1965 he was station in Ft. Lewis, Tacoma WA, Ft. Campbell KY, Commanding Officer Pusan Korea and Ft. Devens MA. Robert excelled in rank to Major and as a experienced General Army Surgeon. In 1965 he was asked to represent the US Army in performing the medical examinations for GEMINI III Astronauts - Gus Grissom & John Young upon the capsule's ocean return splashdown which was the First spacecraft to maneuver in orbit.In 1965, Robert was Honorably Discharged from the US Army and as a civilian traveled by stationwagon with Dorothy and his 5 young boys to Whitefish, Montana for about 4 months, then to Reno, NV before returning to Visalia in early 1966 to establish some permanent roots again. From 1966 to 1968 the Tulare County District Hospital in Tulare placed Robert on their staff as their General Surgeon and in 1968 he became a partner with the Visalia Medical Clinic which was located at Mooney Blvd and Meadow Lane at the time. In 1968 he Started and Chaired the Cancer-Tumor Board for the Kaweah Delta Hospital and was recognized in 2009 for his many years of dedication and professionalism, going above and beyond the call of duty in serving the community at large. Robert was very much an "old school Doctor". He committed his energy to the hospital, emergency room and the clinic. His patients knew him to be professional and caring.

Robert grew up at Grace Lutheran Church, LCMS in Visalia. For many years he served as the superintendent of the Sunday School and as an elder. He loved the Lutheran doctrinal emphasis on law and gospel -- the law of God reveals that man is in need of a savior. The gospel is that Jesus Christ is the Savior. In the early 80's, Robert and Dorothy became members of First Baptist Church (now Gateway Church). There he served as a deacon and devoted his service to teaching the Prospector's Sunday School class. He was a gifted teacher and communicator. Robert loved music and sang for many years in the church choir. Robert loved Dorothy and his family. He is remembered as a generous, funny, and wise leader of his home. Because of the demands of his professional schedule, he was committed to vacations with his family. Our local Sierra Nevada's, Sequoia National and King Canyon Parks were his favorite spots. His sons remember snow skiing, hiking, fishing, backpacking, campfires, roasted marshmallows, family games and most importantly his fatherly interaction. The family all grew up hearing Dad say with a smile on his face say, "You dirty rats!...I am KING, and you guys are nothing!" and then the wrestling match was on!..all 5 boys piling onto Dad until he gave up saying uncle, uncle! Robert always enjoyed a good joke and laugh. One thing he really enjoyed and was so well known for among his peers was his keen ability at "roasting" someone as the master of ceremonies. Roasting is an art and this could have been his second career, he loved to make people laugh.

He had five sons who gave him five daughters-in-law: Bruce and Linda, Steve and Diana, John and Dawn, Paul and Terrie, Greg and Sharon. His loving wife Dorothy predeceased him on November 6th of last year. They were blessed with and were a tremendous blessing to, thirteen grandchildren and their spouses, and eight great-grandchildren. Robert was preceded in death by his eldest brother and sister, Oren Geiger of Turlock, CA, LaRue Hellenthal of Anchorage AK and survived by sister Beverly Berg of San Gabriel, CA. A memorial service will be held for Robert on Monday, August 24th, at 2:00 PM at Gateway Church, 1100 S. Sowell Street, Visalia. In lieu of flowers a donation to the Prospector's Class at Gateway Church would be appropriate. The class financially supports several Christian missionaries. Arrangements by Miller Memorial Chapel, Visalia