The Lord welcome into his arms, Orma S. Geister, on Saturday, January 14, 2017, at the Belle Plaine Lutheran Home. She was 89 years old and longtime resident of Prior Lake, MN.
A Celebration of Life Service will honor Orma on Friday, January 20 at 11 am, with a visitation starting at 9 am, all at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 5643 Luther Road, Prior Lake. Pastor Bruce Laabs will preside. Acting as pall bearers will be Loren Mueller, Donald Mueller, Gary Mueller, Gerald Mueller, Richard Mueller and David Mueller. Orma will be laid to rest next to her husband at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery.
On the family farm in rural Belle Plaine, MN of November 12, 1927, Orma Sophie was born the youngest of seven children to Fred and Emma (Dibbert) Mueller. Growing up during the depression families faced many hardships. Orma also faced the challenge of losing her father at the age of 12. Morning and night, she was now responsible of milking 7 of the 21 cows, with times in charge of all of them. At the age of 13, Orma received her driver’s license. Since her mother did not drive, each morning Orma would deliver the milk to the creamery before school and then pick up the empty milk cans after school.
Orma graduated from Belle Plaine High School. Her first job was at the Greyhound Bus Depot for two years. Orma then went to work for Minneapolis Moline in Hopkins for the next five years, followed by keeping the books for Brother’s Garage for two years. Orma found the most enjoyment working in finance for the Prior Lake School District for 42 ½ years. In later years, she was also responsible for scheduling of the bus routes and payroll. In 2006, Orma was name to the Prior Lake Hall of Fame.
While attending Snell’s Bar in Prior Lake, Orma’s life was enriched. Through mutual friends, she was introduced to Melvin Geister. On June 24, 1947 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Belle Plaine, MN, they declared their love to each other. Orma and Melvin were blessed with a son, Randy. She was so proud of being a mother. Orma loved attending his games and making sure Randy was well taken care of. As a family, they enjoyed camping, fishing and visiting family. Orma and Melvin too enjoyed a trip of a life time to Alaska on a cruise.
Orma felt the most comfortable being home, surrounded by family. In later years, she became a loving grandmother. Orma always had time available for the grandchildren. Each one had their own special relationship with her and they loved to witness Orma’s wisdom. However, being a great-grandma to Matthew was the light in her life that kept Orma going the last nine years. The highlight of her days were the phone calls she would receive from Randy, Patty and her grandchildren.
Orma was dedicated to her faith, especially at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. She was very active in all aspects of church life. Orma proudly served on the church’s Meals on Wheels Program for 25 years. With a deep faith, God provided her with the gift of compassion and patience as a care giver. In 1948, Orma’s mother moved in with her and for the next 16 years cared for her. She also was a care giver for her handicap sister, nieces, nephews, school children and later in her husband’s final journey.
When time allowed, Orma enjoyed the handwork of needlepoint. After the passing of Melvin, on November 26, 1998, she loved creating masterpieces from plastic art, especially Easter baskets. Orma filled her days socializing with friends, especially with the residents at Creekside Commons. She also enjoyed cheering on the Gophers football and basketball, but her favorite was the Minnesota Twins and Vikings.
Left to honor Orma’s life and mourn the death is her son, Randy (Patty) Geister; grandchildren, Tyson (Danielle Sampson) Geister, Jennifer (Kevin) Gengler, Amy Geister; great-grandson, Matthew Geister; many loving relatives and friends. There to welcome Orma home in heaven is her husband, Melvin; infant twin daughters; parents, Fred and Emma Mueller; siblings, Arnold (Esther) Mueller, Viola (Harold) Hafermann, Elsie Mueller, Alvin (Helen) Mueller, Harry (Luella) Mueller, Howard (Evelyn) Mueller.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Prior Lake Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Geister family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
