John C. Geissinger

John Charles Geissinger, 84, of Biloxi, died September 28, 2008 in Ocean Springs.
aÌ‚â‚Å“God and Countryâ₝- Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on February 24, 1924, and orphaned at a young age, Mother Church and the United States Army Air Corps gave JohnaÌ‚â‚â„¢s life direction and led to a fulfilling and meaningful life.
John learned the meaning of hard work early when he delivered newspapers early in the morning before attending school. He was proud that he attended the same Catholic school as the great Dan Marino. He received his college education and passed on the importance of education to his six children, all of whom graduated from college. He later shared his knowledge by teaching at Vancleave and East Central High School. He also volunteered his time teaching English to recent immigrants. To them he was a teacher and friend. One special student, Tam Le, and her family became an extension of his own family.
In 1943 John joined the Army Air Corps. He was an Air Traffic Controller during the Berlin Airlift. He was awarded several commendations for helping land planes flying relief missions to the people of Berlin. He traveled widely while in the service of his country, achieving the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He also served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
John was a loyal Catholic. He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus and helped with various church charities. He was also a faithful viewer of Mother AngelicaaÌ‚â‚â„¢s Eternal World Television Network. His faith was a great comfort to him in his last days.
He was a big supporter of the Boy Scouts, serving as a troop leader for several years.
A big sports fan, John cheered and suffered with the Atlanta Braves. He also cheered the Pittsburgh Steelers to five Super Bowl titles.
John was a great example to his children. He stressed honesty and self-sufficiency. His actions backed up his words. He also believed strongly in the adage to judge a person by his character, not his appearance. He was a great storyteller. His stories got better each time you heard them. He also appreciated good books and good music.
John was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Wilhelmina. He is survived by his six children, Karin Kirby (husband John) of Central, South Carolina, Marion Geissinger of Jackson, MS, John Geissinger Jr. (wife Crystal) of Kansas City, Kansas, Cindy Geissinger (husband Charles) of Germany, David Geissinger of Meridian, MS, and Mark Geissinger (wife Christy) of Ocean Springs, MS. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren.
Special thanks to nurse Rhonda, Kay, Mary, and Gracie of Trinity Hospice, and Back Bay Drugs for their wonderful service. Thanks to Marie Holloway, his caregiver, for the love, tenderness, and kindness she showed to John. Thanks to the many visitors and volunteers that helped the family in its time of need. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Vincent de Paul of Biloxi.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m., Friday, October 3 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, where friends may visit from 12 Noon until Mass. Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery. Arrangements by RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Biloxi. The guestbook may be signed at www.riemannfamily.com.