Delores Stella Geiger: A Life Remembered

Delores Geiger: A Life of Community Service, family Devotion, and Agricultural Roots

Highland, IL – Delores Geiger, a lifelong resident of Highland, Illinois, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated community service, unwavering family commitment, and a deep connection to the agricultural heritage of the region. Born on August 28, 1932, to Wilbur and Estella (nee Frisse) Federer, Delores was the cherished only child of her devoted parents.

Her professional life was intertwined with the family’s agricultural endeavors. Delores handled bookkeeping and farm work for Wilo Acres, their family’s esteemed purebred Duroc and dairy farm. This hands-on experience in agriculture cultivated a strong work ethic that would define many aspects of her life.

beyond the farm, Delores was a steadfast advocate for educational opportunity. As a mother with children attending the University of Illinois, she dedicated an impressive 14 years to the University of Illinois Mom’s Association, holding positions as Treasurer and serving on the Executive Committee. Her commitment extended to the national level when her involvement prompted her to testify before a U.S. House subcommittee in support of Pell Grants, highlighting her passion for making higher education accessible.Delores’s commitment to her community was equally profound.She served as Leef Township Clerk or Supervisor for over two decades, becoming a trusted and familiar figure to her constituents. her engagement also spanned decades as a judge of elections, ensuring the integrity of democratic processes. Her dedication to supporting fellow farmers continued through her nearly 40 years of part-time work at Lincoln Farm Business Farm Management, where she assisted other agricultural families until her retirement at the age of 82.Before family life took center stage, Delores and her beloved husband, Othmar Jerome “Ott” Geiger, whom she married on December 30, 1953, shared a love for square dancing.Later in life, Delores embraced the world through international travel, exploring continents as far-flung as Europe and Australia, as well as the Hawaiian Islands. At home, she became an enthusiastic supporter of Fighting Illini football and basketball. Her civic engagement included membership in Right to Life, the VFW Auxiliary, and the Madison County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee.She also contributed seasonally to the madison County Fair Office and consistently volunteered at the St. Paul kirchenfest, where the family’s annual donation of a hog for the raffle was a highlight.

Delores was preceded in death by her husband, Ott, her parents, Wilbur and Estella Federer, and her daughter, Karen Yergler.

She is survived by her sons, Jerome (Becky) Geiger of Hendersonville, TN, Daniel Geiger of Highland, IL, and Steve “Jake” (Dena) Geiger of Alhambra, IL, and her daughters, Sue (Eric) Gray of Geneseo, IL, and barb (Dan) Schumacher of Buckley, IL. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Dave Yergler of Metamora, IL, along with 16 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren who will dearly miss her presence.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 14, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, july 15, 2025, at St. Paul Catholic Church in highland, IL, with Fr. Teddy Adukus officiating. Interment will follow at Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Highland, IL.

Memorial contributions in Delores’s memory might potentially be directed to the University of Illinois Foundation-College of ACES, and Illinois Right to Life.

What impact did Delores Geiger’s upbringing during the Great Depression and World War II have on her values and life choices?

Early life and Family Background

Delores Stella Geiger (née Hartmann), born on March 12, 1938, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was a woman deeply rooted in family and community. Her parents, Albert and Clara Hartmann, instilled in her a strong work ethic and a commitment to education. Growing up during the Great Depression and World War II shaped her resilience and recognition for simple joys. Delores attended Milwaukee Washington High School, where she excelled in academics and participated in various extracurricular activities, including the debate team and the school choir. This early exposure fostered her lifelong love of learning and public speaking. Family history reveals a lineage of German immigrants who settled in Wisconsin in the late 19th century, contributing to the state’s rich cultural tapestry.

Education and Career Path

Following high school, Delores pursued higher education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature in 1960. This period was pivotal in shaping her intellectual curiosity and analytical skills. her career began as a high school English teacher at West Allis Central High School, a position she held for over two decades.

Teaching Philosophy: delores believed in fostering a love of reading and writing in her students,emphasizing critical thinking and creative expression.

Mentorship: She was known for her dedication to mentoring students, often going above and beyond to support their academic and personal growth. Several former students credit her with inspiring them to pursue careers in education and the humanities.

Continuing Education: Even while teaching full-time,Delores continued her education,completing a Master of Arts in Library Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1985.

this led to a second career as a librarian at the Milwaukee Public Library system, where she specialized in local history and genealogy. Her research skills and passion for preserving the past made her a valuable resource for the community.

Community Involvement and Civic Engagement

Delores Geiger was a pillar of the Milwaukee community, actively involved in numerous civic and charitable organizations.

Past Society: She served as a long-time volunteer and board member of the Milwaukee County historical Society, contributing significantly to the preservation of local artifacts and historical records.

Literacy Programs: Delores was a passionate advocate for literacy,volunteering with several organizations dedicated to promoting reading and writing skills among children and adults.

Local Politics: She actively participated in local political discourse, advocating for issues she believed in, such as public education and environmental conservation. She frequently attended city council meetings and wrote letters to the editor of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Church Activities: A devout member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Delores participated in various church activities, including choir, Sunday school teaching, and community outreach programs.

Personal Life and Family

In 1962, Delores married Robert Geiger, a mechanical engineer. Their marriage spanned 55 years, built on mutual respect, shared interests, and a deep commitment to family. They had two children, David and Susan.

Family Traditions: The Geiger family cherished traditions such as annual summer vacations to national parks and holiday gatherings filled with laughter and storytelling.

hobbies and Interests: Delores enjoyed gardening, reading, classical music, and traveling.She was an avid birdwatcher and maintained a detailed journal of her observations.

Travels: She and Robert traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe,documenting their adventures through photographs and journals. Their travels frequently enough focused on historical sites and cultural landmarks.

Later Years and Legacy

Following Robert’s passing in 2017, Delores continued to live independently in her Milwaukee home, remaining active in her community and pursuing her interests.She remained a dedicated volunteer at the Milwaukee Public Library until shortly before her death on July 10, 2025, at the age of 87.

Delores Stella Geiger is remembered as a dedicated educator, a passionate community advocate, and a loving wife and mother. Her legacy of service, intellectual curiosity, and unwavering commitment to family will continue to inspire generations to come. Her contributions to the Milwaukee community are well-documented in local archives and through the countless lives she touched.