Michael Gaines Geisler

Michael Gaines Geisler, 74, passed away at home in Naples, FL on April 23, 2021. Mike was born February 15, 1947 in Elizabethton, TN, the only child of Mary (Pansock) and Roy Geisler. His father and mother passed away in 1956 and 1959 respectively, after which, Mike moved to Chicago to live with his uncle and aunt, Charles and Sue Rotkis, and cousin Charlie. He graduated from De La Salle High School and continued his education at Christian Brothers College in Memphis, TN where he met Kitty Shields, whom he married in 1967. After graduation, Mike began working at Boeing in Huntsville, AL on the Saturn V rocket project that sent Apollo astronauts to the moon. He and Kitty had two children together, and after separating, remained amicable as co-parents and grandparents. Mike ultimately pursued a career in electrical sales and lived in the Chicago area, Oklahoma City, Houston, Oregon, and finally settled in Florida.
Mike will be remembered for his warm personality, quiet intelligence, and positive attitude. He was a devoted Catholic, an avid golfer, and a trivia fanatic. As a lifelong sports enthusiast, he loved to talk sports and was always up for a game of HORSE in the driveway. Mike’s greatest joy was spending time with family and friends, whether it be at his grandsons’ sports events, the golf course, traveling, or enjoying a good meal (particularly if that meal included Italian food).
He is survived by partner, Sally Gladney Hays of Naples; daughter, Mary Geisler Callaghan; son, Michael Geisler, Jr; son-in-law, Tim Callaghan; and 4 grandsons, Jack Callaghan, Scott Callaghan, Sam Callaghan, and Ethan Geisler, all of Houston.
A funeral mass will be offered at St. Elizabeth in Elizabethton, TN on Saturday, June 12, 10:00 am; burial will follow at the Happy Valley Memorial Park. All attendants are invited to a noon luncheon at the Doubletree in Johnson City.