Joseph "Joe" Geris

Joseph (Joe) Dennis Geris passed away peacefully at Bethany on the Lake on Wednesday, May 20, 2020, at the age of 91.

Joe was born in Belle River Township to John (Jack) and Edith (Klobes) Geris on February 15, 1929. Joe attended country school and graduated from Alexandria High School.

Joe served in the military for 22 years, two years in the Marines and 20 in the Army. During his 20 years in the Army, Joe, Marjorie, and his children lived in Japan, Germany, and the States. He retired from the Army on September 30, 1966, as a major. Joe and his family returned to Alexandria where Joe worked as a deputy sheriff for Douglas County and as a Law Enforcement instructor at the Alexandria Technical and Community College.

Joe was athletic, fun-loving and enjoyed life; but his legacy is that of defending our country. For that sacrifice we will remember and honor him.

Joe is survived by his wife, Sandra; daughter, Jill (Terry) Martell of Alexandria; son, John (Jack) (Lori) of Glenwood; son, Joseph (Laurie) of Prior Lake; his brother, Thomas of Shawnee, Kansas; his first wife, Marjorie of Alexandria; five grandchildren, Kristin Klemenhagen, Kodi (Craig) Schroeder, Jacob, Ryan, (Jennifer) and Jenna; two step-grandchildren, Andrea Martell and Janell (Musarraf) Hussain; and eight great-grandchildren, Hanah, Hadlee, Holden, Finley, Carter, Sophie, Gracie and Eleanor; three nieces and two nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Joan; son, Jeffrey; brother-in-law, Romaine Thornton; and sister-in-law, Romel Geris.

Joe’s family would like to thank the staff of Pelican Bay at Bethany on the Lake for the wonderful care he received and for going above and beyond to make him comfortable. Also, thank you to Douglas County Hospice for everything they did to care for Joe.

A private family gathering and burial with military honors at Kinkead Cemetery will be held at a later date.

To protect the health and safety of all, services are currently being limited as required by state and local authorities and the CDC. Expressions of sympathy during this time can be left on the condolences page available with the obituary on our website.  Check the funeral home website for the latest COVID-19 update.