Laura E. Geisler Theel
Laura E. Geisler Theel, 94, of Alma, Kansas, died Sunday, February 24, 2013, at the Alma Manor. She was a long time member of the area. Laura was born March 11, 1918, in Alta Vista, Kansas, the daughter of Henry and Ida Biesenthal Geisler. She moved to the Alma area when she was six years old. Laura spent her younger years caring for her invalid mother and raising her three brothers. Laura married Charles Geisler on April 12, 1942, in Alma. They farmed in the Hendricks Creek Community for twenty five years and moved into Alma in 1976. He preceded her in death on August 21, 1976. She then married Vincent Theel on September 10, 1982 in Alma. He also preceded her in death on January 11, 1993. Laura and Charles also lived a while in Topeka where they operated a boarding house. There she worked for Cappers Publications, Morrells Packing Company and Adams Business Forms. They also lived in California for a year and worked picking fruit and working for the Bridgeford Food Company. For eighteen years, Laura worked as a housekeeper for the Alma Manor. She was an original employee when they first opened. She was very dedicated and proud of her work at the Manor. She was a life-long member of Peace United Church of Christ in Alma and also a member of the church ladies guild. She also was a member of the District 3 Community Club and the Open Door Club. Laura loved to travel and had been to numerous locations around the country. She was also known for her flowers and plants. Laura is survived by her step-children, Virginia Snodgrass, Alma, Philip Theel and his wife, Barbara, Alma, David Theel and his wife, Judy, Eudora and John Theel and his wife, Melanie, Lake Charles, Louisiana; her brother, Merlin Geisler, Leonardville; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Geisler and Henrietta Geisler, both of Alma and numerous nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Arthur and Walter Geisler and a step-daughter, Shirley Waters. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 2, 2013, at Peace United Church of Christ in Alma. Reverend John Austin will be officiating. Burial will follow at Peace United Church of Christ Cemetery. The family will greet friends at 1:00 p.m., prior to the service on Saturday. They suggest memorial contributions to the Evangelical Children’s Home/ Every Childs Hope or the Alma Manor, and those may be sent in care of Campanella-Gentry Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.campanellafuneral.com.
|
