Jerry Geisel

It is with deep sadness and profound love that the family of Gerald (Jerry) Geisel announces his peaceful
passing on June 19, 2023, after a hard-fought battle with leukemia. He was 78 years old. Best known as "Pops"
to those who loved him, Jerry was born on July 26, 1944, in Riverside, California to Florence (Zikratch) and
John Geisel.

As a teenager, Jerry had an adventurous spirit and a love of motorcycles. Unbeknownst to his parents, he
began racing at the age of seventeen. This wasn't discovered until his dad showed up to watch a race and
noticed Jerry's name on the leaderboard! He was fearless, winning multiple times, and even raced with
legendary motorcyclist Steve McQueen.

In 1966, he joined the Riverside Police Department, where he served for thirteen years and made many
memories and numerous lifelong friends. Not only was he an accomplished realtor and VP in sales for a
commercial contractor, but he also owned and operated various successful businesses.

Jerry spent the last twenty-five years of his life in Poulsbo, Washington, where he became a beloved member
of the community. His ability to connect with a broad range of people was one of his greatest gifts. He treated
people with kindness and openness and made everyone feel as if he had always known them; he met friends
wherever he went. His endless tales of mischief were entertaining, with him often starring in the role of
"Agent of Chaos" while others were blamed for the shenanigans he caused! He was somehow always left
unscathed and often tasked with the job of finding the "true culprit," which he could most easily have found
by looking in the mirror! His laugh was one-of-a-kind and contagious - one of those things that are
unforgettable and brings great joy to others. He also coined the phrase, "Okay... Gotta go!" when he was
ready for a conversation to end, whether or not you were done talking.

Ultimately, Jerry was strong in his faith, loyal and generous. He was involved in multiple community outreach
programs and was always looking for ways to help others. Even when not searching out troublesome
situations, they still seemed to find him. He was somewhat of a local hero, once rescuing a woman from a
burning house clad only in his undershorts and even saving a fellow hiker who had suffered a heart attack on a
trail by helping to carry him a mile to safety. He always seemed to be in the right place at the right time.
The loves of Jerry's life were his grandchildren, and he had a profound influence on their lives, consistently
providing unconditional love, support, silliness, and guidance to them. He was the man from day one that his
granddaughter, Abby, could always rely upon not only a grandpa but also as a father. Their adventures were
some of his most treasured times. Pops and Abby were best friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his sister, Lorene (Geisel) Foster and brother, Gene Geisel. He will be lovingly
remembered by his children Trisha (Chuck) Silvernale and Bret (Allison) Geisel and his four grandchildren: Jake
Brown, Abby Sheldon, Brice and Brenna Geisel.

A celebration honoring his life will be held on July 8, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Bayside Community Church in
Kingston, Washington.