Eldon Geske

Eldon F.  “Mike” Geske, 79, of Granite City, Illinois passed away at Gateway Regional Medical Center in Granite City at 12:51 p.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2024.  He was born November 2, 1944, in Calhoun County, Illinois, a son of the late Samuel and Vera (Kress) Geske.  He married Phyllis A. (Richter) Geske on February 19, 1966, in Granite City and she survives.  He retired as a millwright in 2007 from Granite City Steel after 44 years of dedicated service.  The United States Army veteran proudly served his country during the Vietnam War.  He was a member of S.O.A.R. and an avid fan of the St. Louis Blues.  Mike loved his days of hunting and fishing and was always looking for the one that got away.  He took much pride tending to his meticulous yard and home and kept his F150 shining. He had a special love for his dogs, Sandy and the late Brownie and loved walking them and talking to everyone along the way.  He cherished his family and will be remembered for the love and special times shared with them.  In addition to his beloved wife of nearly 58 years, he is survived by three children and their spouses, Michael and Karen Geske of Granite City, Tonya and Dustin Horn of Troy and Steven and Dawn Geske of Dupo; eight grandchildren, Shelby Geske, Savannah Geske, Aaron Horn, Brandon Horn, Kelsey Horn, Cole Vetter, Summer Geske and Skylar Geske; two great grandchildren, Asher Brown and Oaklynn Vetter; three sisters and a brother-in-law, Lela Ulery of Wood River, Lois and Gerald Scott of Oak Ridge, Tennessee and Leona Barnett of Alton; sister-in-law, Caroline Geske of Napa, California; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gilbert and Nancy Richter of Prescott, Arizona; many nieces; nephews; other extended family and friends.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Joshua Michael Horn; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Edward F. and Bettie Geske and Earl F. Geske and three brothers-in-law, Richard M. Barnett, Norman P. Richter and Robert Ulery.  In celebration of his life, visitation will be at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City on Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. where funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 19, 2024, with Pastor Tim Filkins officiating.  Military honors will be rendered and cremation will follow according to his wishes.  Memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice or to support a local animal shelter in his memory.  www.irwinchapel.com