George J. Geissler, age 86, of Joliet was called home after a short illness on Friday, September 26, 2008, and is now at peace with his Lord and Savior.

He proudly served his country as a mess sergeant in the Army Air Corps during World War II.  He resided in Joliet for many years, where he began a career in the asphalt paving industry until he retired in 1987.

He was active in his community, serving as mayor of Monticello.  He was also an active member at First Presbyterian Church of Monticello, giving his time and talents to various church committees.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Frieda (Newkirk) Geissler, and his wife of 51 years, Martha (Allan) Geissler.

He is survived by what he referred to as "his greatest accomplishment, his family."  He was very proud of each and every one of them; his daughter, Sally Friend; sons, James and Cynthia (Lewakowski) Geissler, Thomas and Kathy (Trippedi) Geissler; his grandchildren, Heather Friend, Briand and Jennifer Friend, Jeffrey and Sara Geissler (and their daughter Ava), Jason and Amanda Geissler, Eric and Michelle Geissler, Adam and Courtney Geissler (and their son, Ethan), Dan Geissler; brother, Elmer and Joan Geissler; sister, Charlotte Gurney; and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on Monday, October 6, at 11:00am in the Chapel at Elmhurst Cemetery, Joliet.

Those who wish may make memorial contributions to First Presbyterian Church, 214 S. Charter St., Monticello, IL 61856, or Kemmerer Village School, RR 1, Box 12C, Assumption, IL 62510.