Charles Franklin Geiger passed away peacefully on March 30, 2021, in Asheville NC, at the age of 95.
Charles is survived by his son Charles A. Geiger of Salzburg Austria, daughter and son-in-law Margaret and Jeff Richwagen of Asheville North Carolina, son-in-law James Frankowski of Novi Michigan, and grandchildren Nicholas Richwagen, and Emily and Claire Frankowski. He is also survived by brother Jim (Betty) Geiger and many nieces and nephews. Charles was predeceased by his loving wife of 59 years, Frances Geiger, beloved daughter Lisa Frankowski, brothers Bill, Richard, and Robert Geiger, and sisters-in-law Helen Geiger and Mary Owen.
Charlie was born in Flint, MI on April 8, 1925 to Frank and Julitta (nee Houle) Geiger where he attended Flint Central High School. Two weeks after graduation, he began service in the US Army during WWII. After completing training in the Signal Corps, he shipped to Kharagpur, India where he served in the China-Burma-India Theater. Later in life, Charles expressed that this experience shaped him and “made him the man that he was.” His decorations and citations included the American Theater Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and World War II Victory Medal.
After the war, he attended the University of Michigan on the GI Bill, which he credited for his ability to attend college. He began his career as a caseworker for Catholic Social Services (CSS) of Wayne County in Detroit. CSS sent him to Boston College School of Social Work to complete his Master’s degree. It was there that he met the love of his life, Frances Coughlin, in a social work class and the two were married at the Coughlin home in Brookline in 1954.
For more than 50 years Charles and Frances lived in Dearborn Heights MI, where they raised a family, worked and became active and admired members of the community. Charles loved his job at CSS and counseled many individuals there for over 40 years. He also supervised the downriver CSS office in Taylor. Charlie loved spending time with family and friends, fishing, bird-watching, gardening, cooking, University of Michigan football, Detroit Tigers baseball and reading the New York Times. Charlie made an impression on all who knew him due to his unique personality and outlook on life.
Charles and Frances’ cremated remains will be interred at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI. A celebratory memorial is to be planned for a later date. The family would like to thank Bridget from Home Instead, the staff at Harmony at Reynold’s Mountain, Memory Care and Four Seasons Hospice. Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit.
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