Jerry Geisinger

Jerry Frank Geisinger, 63, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Tuesday, July 16, 2013, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota.

He was born Oct. 8, 1949, in Strasburg, N.D., the son of Sam and Sally Geisinger. As a child, his family moved to several states where he attended grade school and some high school. They moved to Fergus Falls while Jerry was in high school and he graduated from high school here.
Following graduation, he was enrolled at the Fergus Falls Junior College when he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving during the Vietnam War. Jerry received the Purple Heart.

Upon his discharge from the Army, he lived in Vail, Colo., and worked as a ski patrol for a few years before moving to Santa Cruz, Calif., where he worked in auto body. Later on he operated his own business, Geisinger Auto Body, specializing in car restoration. Some of his cars earned first place in regional and national competitions for their stunning paint work.

In the early 1980s, Jerry married Jane Chance.

In 1990, Jerry moved his family to Fergus Falls and began working for Odie’s Body Shop. Later, he purchased the business from Odie and continued with auto body and car restoration until his retirement.

Jerry enjoyed watching his daughter’s performances in the arts, and watching his son play soccer during their school years. He was an avid football fan, and went to several Vikings football games. He liked basketball and went to many Fergus Falls Community College Spartan games, and watched his nieces play for the Fergus Falls Otters. He also loved to fish and every summer went on a fishing trip with family to Lake of the Woods.

Jerry was a kind-hearted person. He helped many through difficult times. He always put everyone else’s needs before his own.

Survivors include his wife, Jane of Fergus Falls; his two children, Jessica of Boston, Mass., and Michael of Fergus Falls; his mother, Sally Geisinger of Fergus Falls; sisters, Judy (Ron) Harr of Jamestown, N.D., Jeanie (Jim) Olson of Bismarck, N.D., and Donna (Mark) Stortroen of Fergus Falls; a brother, Marvin (Donna) Geisinger of Mahtomedi; his mother-in-law, Pat Chance of Fergus Falls; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Sam; his father-in-law, Warren Chance; and nephews, Brian Harr and Terry Chance.

Celebrate Jerry’s life with his wife Jane, son Mike, and other family members and friends on: Sunday, August 18, 2013 • 1 to 3 p.m. A Center for the Arts’ Fergus Theatre, 124 W. Lincoln Ave. downtown Fergus Falls, MN. For more info, call Jane at 218-205-1151.