Marion Geisler

Marion Loretta Geisler died peacefully on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at Countryside Nursing Home in South Haven. She was born Marion Reichert in Chicago on Sept. 10, 1915.
At age 11 Marion moved to Hagar Shores to live with her friend Marion Jensen (now Leedy). There she loved the country life, attending Clymer School and riding her pony, Mickey. After graduating from Coloma High School in 1934, she continued her education at community college. Marion then moved back to Chicago, where she worked in the food section of the Davis Department Store and became a leading salesperson. In 1938 she returned to Coloma, where she married C. Elwood Geisler, a local businessman. They were united in their love of nature, music, travel, and each other. Elwood preceded Marion in death on June 5, 1986.
The Geislers had five children: Barbara (Maynard Kaufman) Geisler, Bonnie (Lewis) Mohler, Douglas (Nancy) Geisler, Pamela Geisler (who passed away June 6, 2005), and Geoffrey (Patricia) Geisler. They also raised foster sons Jay Myers and George Hobart.
Marion spent many years working with her husband in the family business, Geisler Motors, Inc. She was an ardent advocate and activist for peace, civil rights, and the environment. In the 1950’s she and other path-breaking parents established a school for handicapped children at the Benton Harbor YMCA, supported by the families. Marion was president of the Berrien County Association of Retarded Children, served on the Berrien County Juvenile Court Board, and was recognized for 14 years of service with Berrien County Foster Care. The Geislers were members of the Coloma Congregational Church, and later the Berrien Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.
Her grandchildren are Thomas (Shelly Berk) Mohler and Susan Mohler; Jennifer (Dan) Meyer, Matthew (Tomomi), Adam (Anna Coyle), and Nathan (Karrie Berger) Geisler; Genevieve (David Glasgow), Katherine, and Margaret Geisler. Her four great-grandchildren are Caleb, Mitchell, Lucas and Emma Meyer.
Marion loved chocolate ice cream, Lake Michigan, clouds, leaves, wildflowers, and the color purple. She will be remembered for her sense of humor, wide-brimmed hats, and devotion to her developmentally disabled daughter Pamela.
Her body has been cremated. A gathering for friends and family will be held at a future time. The family requests any memorial contributions go to Sarett Nature Center or to South Haven Hospice. Filbrandt Family Funeral Home has provided their services.