Henry L. “Hank” Geist, 69, Hays, died Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at Morningside Place in Overland Park.
He was born September 18, 1952 in Hays, the son of Joseph and Virginia (Klaus) Geist. He was a 1971 graduate of Hays High School. On October 6, 1978 he was united in marriage to Susan Weber in Hays. He worked for many years at Hi-Plains Alignment with his dad. After semi-retiring, he picked up cars for Hays dealerships and worked a couple of summers for the city of Hays watering newly planted trees and mowing at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex. He was a member of St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church and enjoyed fishing, boating, and camping. Henry took great pride in teaching young people to ski and was always willing to help family, neighbors, and friends. He could fix anything and was knowledgeable in building, plumbing, electrical, and cars. Henry never knew a stranger, could talk to anybody, and loved to visit.
Survivors include his wife Susan of Hays, son: Michael Schmidtberger and wife Marcey of Walker, two daughters: Sarah Thomason and husband Jared of Olathe and Amber Zeman of Wichita, a brother: Joe Geist, Jr. of Hays, a sister: Nancy Seib and husband Mike of Hays, seven grandchildren: Taylor Schmidtberger, Cole Schmidtberger, Kiley (Schmidtberger) Beagley and husband Braden, Gavin Thomason, Ashlyn Thomason, Layton Zeman and Layla Zeman, and a great grandchild due in July.
He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew Christopher Geist.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church with Fr. Damian Richards officiating. Inurnment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Tuesday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 9:00 am until service time on Wednesday at the church. A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association or to St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church. Condolences and memories of Henry may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com