1941
David
2024
David Geibel
October 20, 1941 — May 3, 2024
David Coolidge Geibel passed away peacefully on Friday, May 3rd at the age of 82, surrounded by his loving family. David was born October 20, 1941, at Macon County Hospital in Decatur, Illinois. He was the son of Alvin Richard and Margaret Coolidge Geibel, and was a lifelong resident of Decatur, delivering newspapers for the Decatur Herald and Review as a young boy. As an interesting aside, he was descended from President Calvin Coolidge on his mother’s side. David grew up with a zest for life, a love of sports, and a compassionate heart that he shared with all who knew him.
David’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and career. He married Janet Miller in June of 1963 and together they shared 58 years of marriage before her passing in April of 2022. He graduated from Decatur High School in 1959, then earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Eureka College and continued at Millikin University, graduating with a master’s degree in education. He began his rewarding career in public education, serving with so many wonderfully dedicated teachers and administrators, as a history teacher at Illiopolis High School, then as Assistant Principal at Lakeview High School for over a decade, and retiring as Principal of Mound Middle School. Following his career as an educator, he became the Human Resources Director at Sears. Interestingly, early work experiences selling clothes at Bachrach’s and acting as a YMCA Camp Counselor at Camp Edwards in Wisconsin were ones he particularly cherished. David’s remarkable work ethic, good humor, and leadership qualities earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and peers throughout his career.
Beyond his professional achievements, David’s true joy came from his roles as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, community leader and friend. David was a faithful member of Prairie Avenue Christian Church, serving as a Sunday School Teacher, Elder and Trustee. As a member of Golden K Kiwanis, David helped lead a scholarship fund for deserving area high school students and was named Kiwanian of the Year. He was an avid baseball fan, relishing trips with his family to cheer his beloved St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium, as well as traveling out east to watch his grandson Adam play at Wesleyan University. David and Janet enjoyed their breakfast and lunch groups which met during the week at local restaurants, as well as his regular ROMEO gatherings, and golfing with lifelong friends.
David was preceded in death by his beloved wife and parents. He will be deeply missed by his cherished sons and daughters-in-law, Mark (Limo) and Kent (Leslie), and his adoring grandchildren (Adam and Claire). He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law Kathryn Martin (Louis), nieces Kristin Morency, Kelly Martin, Liane Hannah, Laura Alfred, Angela Engel and Sharla Montes, as well as countless friends and colleagues who were touched by his kindness and warmth.
Though David may no longer be with us in body, his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to have known him. His legacy of love, compassion, and integrity will continue to inspire generations to come.
A Celebration of David’s life will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday May 16, 2024 at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur. Visitation will be 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Golden K Kiwanis, earmarked for the Scholarship Fund, and to Prairie Avenue Christian Church, reflecting David’s lifelong commitment to making the world a better place.
David’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and career. He married Janet Miller in June of 1963 and together they shared 58 years of marriage before her passing in April of 2022. He graduated from Decatur High School in 1959, then earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Eureka College and continued at Millikin University, graduating with a master’s degree in education. He began his rewarding career in public education, serving with so many wonderfully dedicated teachers and administrators, as a history teacher at Illiopolis High School, then as Assistant Principal at Lakeview High School for over a decade, and retiring as Principal of Mound Middle School. Following his career as an educator, he became the Human Resources Director at Sears. Interestingly, early work experiences selling clothes at Bachrach’s and acting as a YMCA Camp Counselor at Camp Edwards in Wisconsin were ones he particularly cherished. David’s remarkable work ethic, good humor, and leadership qualities earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and peers throughout his career.
Beyond his professional achievements, David’s true joy came from his roles as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, community leader and friend. David was a faithful member of Prairie Avenue Christian Church, serving as a Sunday School Teacher, Elder and Trustee. As a member of Golden K Kiwanis, David helped lead a scholarship fund for deserving area high school students and was named Kiwanian of the Year. He was an avid baseball fan, relishing trips with his family to cheer his beloved St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium, as well as traveling out east to watch his grandson Adam play at Wesleyan University. David and Janet enjoyed their breakfast and lunch groups which met during the week at local restaurants, as well as his regular ROMEO gatherings, and golfing with lifelong friends.
David was preceded in death by his beloved wife and parents. He will be deeply missed by his cherished sons and daughters-in-law, Mark (Limo) and Kent (Leslie), and his adoring grandchildren (Adam and Claire). He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law Kathryn Martin (Louis), nieces Kristin Morency, Kelly Martin, Liane Hannah, Laura Alfred, Angela Engel and Sharla Montes, as well as countless friends and colleagues who were touched by his kindness and warmth.
Though David may no longer be with us in body, his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to have known him. His legacy of love, compassion, and integrity will continue to inspire generations to come.
A Celebration of David’s life will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday May 16, 2024 at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur. Visitation will be 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Golden K Kiwanis, earmarked for the Scholarship Fund, and to Prairie Avenue Christian Church, reflecting David’s lifelong commitment to making the world a better place.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of David Geibel, please visit our flower store.
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