Donald Van Geison

Donald L. Van Geison, age 91, of Battle Creek, passed away on March 13, 2021 at Bronson Battle Creek.  He was born on January 3, 1930 in Battle Creek, son of Lawrence and Margaret (Elges) Van Geison.  Donald was raised in Bellevue and graduated from Bellevue High School in 1947; where he was a superior athlete. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was stationed in Germany and part of the Berlin airlift; while there he was on of the baseball team that won the Armed Forces World Series. Donald was a career fireman for the Battle Creek Fire Department, from which he retired in 1988 as Chief of the Signal Division. He was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and a founding member of St. Joe’s Dads Club. He was a long standing and current member of the St. Vincent De Paul Society. Donald loved music and served in the choir for many years. Donald enjoyed coaching Little League, playing bridge and pinochle (often with his wife, daughter and son-in-law) and was an avid golfer;  playing for years on St. Joe’s golf league; even last year. He was a devoted fan and season ticket holder to the University of Michigan Football team. He loved attending with his son and then taking his five beloved grandsons to games each fall. In later years he enjoyed regular outings with his devoted daughter-in-law Wendy. Donald was united in marriage on May 10, 1952 to Bernadine E. Nobbe, she preceded him in death on March 5, 2018.  Also, preceding him in death are a brother; Leslie Van Geison and a daughter; Mary Ann who died in infancy.  Surviving are his children; David L. (Wendy) Van Geison  and Lynn M. (Steven) Culver, both of Battle Creek, grandchildren; Pete Van Geison, Jacob (Sarah) Culver, Joe (Keisha) Van Geison, Alexander (Meredith) Culver, Michael Culver, great granddaughter; Magnolia Claire Culver, and special friend; Larry “The Dog”.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m.  to  7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at Richard A. Henry Funeral Home  where the Recitation of The Rosary will take place at 7:00 p.m.  Masks are required, with the number of persons in the funeral home is limited to 25 at one time. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:30  a.m. on Friday, March 19, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Fr. Christopher Ankley, celebrant.  Interment to follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery.  The funeral Mass will be livestreamed from the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Battle Creek. MI, Facebook page. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent De Paul or the Wounded Warrior Project. www.henryfuneralhome.org