The Waynedale News

STEVEN J. GEIST, 60, of Fort Wayne passed away Thursday, December 1, 2011 at the Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, surrounded by his family. Steven was born August 27, 1951 in Oceanside, Long Island, New York to John K. "Dick" and Edna B. (Cosby) Geist. His parents preceded him in death.

Steven graduated from Norwell High School in 1969. He also graduated from Ball State University in 1977 and from Indiana University in 1994. He has resided in Fort Wayne since the late 1970s and was a teacher in Fort Wayne Community Schools for twelve years. He was the recipient of the Channel 21 Golden Apple Teacher's Award and a member of Who's Who Among American Teachers. Steven was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bluffton and Eagles Lodge #248 of Fort Wayne.

Survivors include two sisters; Sandy Funk (husband: Rodney) of Roanoke, Indiana, Susan Smith (husband: Larry) of Elkhart, Indiana, two brothers; Larry Geist (wife: Judi) of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Ric Geist (wife: Bev) of Fort Wayne, Indiana and several nieces and nephews.

Steven will be cremated. There will be a family memorial service at the Geist Meeting House in Reistertown, Maryland at a later date. Steven's ashes will be interred in the Geist Cemetery in Reistertown.

Preferred memorials are to the Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46814. Thoma/Rich, Chaney & Lemler Funeral Home are in charge of the arrangements and cremation. Online condolences may be made at www.thomarich.com.