Robert William Geis, Jr.

Robert W. Geis, Jr., 85, of Sylvania, passed away on September 3, 2008. Bob aka Bill aka Mr. Wonderful was born on August 8, 1923 in Lima, Ohio to Robert William Geis, Sr. and Winifred Arnold Geis and moved with his family to Toledo in 1927. Bills father died in 1936 so at age 15, he started working nights at the Toledo Morning Times. Bill graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1941 and then enrolled at DeSales College. In late 1942, Bill enrolled in the U.S. Navy where he became known as Bob. He saw action in the South Pacific and was honorably discharged as a first class gunners mate/petty officer in November, 1945. Upon his return from service, Bill enrolled at Toledo University and then transferred to John Carroll University from which he graduated in 1949 with dual degrees of a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Social Science. He later earned both a Bachelors and Masters of Education Degree at TU. While Bill tried his hand in sales a couple times, he always came back to education. Bill briefly taught at Toledo Whitmer and Garden City High Schools and then dedicated 23 years to Woodward High School eight as a social studies teacher and 15 as an Assistant Principal. While at Woodward, he was also principal of TPS summer school and night school. On April 12, 2008, Bill was inducted into the Woodward High School Hall of Fame. Bill was predeceased by his son, Pat. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jean Heiing Geis; and 6 children, Shelley Mike Crossley of Toledo, Bob Lori Geis of Santa Barbara, CA, Debby Jim Schaefer of Sylvania, Tom Susan Geis of Toledo, Jim Geis of Santa Barbara, CA, and Bill Suzanne Geis of West Unity, OH and 13 grandchildren. A mass celebrating Bills life will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sylvania. Interment will be private. Arrangements were made through the Walker Funeral Home, 419.841.2422. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com. Memorials may be sent to the Whitehouse Country Manor Resident Activities Fund or Central Catholic High School.