Doris Geesler

St. Johnsville resident, Doris Madeline Geesler, 94, passed away peacefully on Friday evening, October 27, 2023 at the Alpine Rehabilitation and Nursing Home, Little Falls with the love and support of her family by her side.

She was born on Sept. 22, 1929 in Little Falls, daughter of the late Raymond and Emma (Paul) Walrath and was educated in Fort Plain schools.  She was united in marriage with Harold Flint Geesler on Sept. 12, 1948 in Fort Plain.  Mr. Geesler passed away Aug. 23, 1995. Her last professional employment was with St. Johnsville Central School where she worked as a cleaner.  For several years,  she owned and operated Geesler’s 5 and 10 Store in St. Johnsville.  Over the years, she and her family helped train over 25 dogs for the Guiding Eyes for the Blind Program.  

She derived great pleasure in learning new crafts and was very talented. Often times, her home was set up with work stations so she could transition from sewing to quilting to painting and puzzles. To the delight of her grandchildren, Doris loved to play Nintendo video games on her DS and was often sought out for advice on how to get to the next level. She was a dedicated homemaker and devoted her life to taking care of her family. Doris and Harold believed a strong work ethic to be of great importance in raising a family and took great pride in passing that strong work ethic on to their children.  

Doris was of Baptist Faith and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Little Falls.  Faith in God was important to Doris. She enjoyed reading her bible and was always willing to open her home to bible study groups through her church. 
 
Survivors include her children, Donald Geesler and wife Linda of Little Falls, Arthur Geesler and wife Claudette of St. Johnsville, Russell Geesler and wife Jan of St. Johnsville, Becky Potoczny and husband Terry of St. Johnsville and John Geesler and wife Kim of St. Johnsville; a brother, Lee Walrath and wife Carol of Salem, NY; ten grandchildren;  twenty one great grandchildren; one great great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Gertrude, Margaret, Leon and David.  

There will be a private graveside service lead by Pastor Chris Wintermute, Freys Bush Cemetery at the convenience of the family.  There are no calling hours. Kindly consider and send memorial contributions in her name to the First Baptist Church of Little Falls or to the St. Johnsville Margaret Reaney Public Library.  There are no calling hours.  The family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff of Alpine Rehabilitation and Nursing Home for their kindness and compassion.  Funeral arrangements are under the direction and care of the locally owned and operated Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations, 7507 State Route 5, between St. Johnsville and Little Falls, 315-508-5131.