New Apostolic Church Minister Otto Geist Dies at 75

Otto K. Geist Jr., a devoted member and minister of the New Apostolic Church in Peoria, Illinois, passed away on March 8, 2016, at Unity Point Health Proctor Hospital. He was 75 years old. Born on April 29, 1940, in Peoria, Geist was the son of Otto and Frieda (Woerner) Geist. He married Claudia Light on October 19, 1968, in Peoria, and they had several children, including daughters Rachel Manning and Rebecca (Daniel) Powers, son Ryan (Summer) Geist, and seven grandchildren.

Geist dedicated over thirty-five years to education within the Peoria School District. He served as a teacher, dean, assistant principal, and athletic director at Manual High School for twenty-seven years before retiring as principal of Loucks Middle School in 1999. His career was marked by a commitment to impacting the lives of students through education and leadership.

A member of the New Apostolic Church, Geist was actively involved in its ministry. He was known for his dedication to the congregation and his role as a minister. His service within the church reflected his deep commitment to community and spiritual leadership.

Geist’s interests included motorcycles, high school athletics, and spending time with his family. He was particularly fond of his grandchildren, often sharing time with them. His life was centered around family, faith, and community.

Services for Geist were held at the New Apostolic Church in Peoria on March 12, 2016, officiated by Evangelist Paul Wurst. Visitation took place on Friday, March 11, and Saturday, March 12, at the church and Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel. Memorials were suggested to his church, highlighting his continued involvement and support for its mission.

The community gathered to honor Geist’s life and legacy, reflecting on his contributions to education, faith, and family. His passing left a void in the lives of those who knew him, but his impact endured through the lives he touched and the values he upheld.

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