When you enter the theatre through the main doors, you are greeted by the face of a jester or a symbolic "T" in the stained glass windows. This craftsmanship dates back to the renovation efforts of the 60s and 70s. The windows were created by Ed Geishert, Sr.
You may also have noticed, on the main floor in row 'G,' four seats with tartan plaid covers over them. Theses seats proudly recognize the theatre's Barton S. Tibbits sponsor, an honor sold each year at the annual auction: four seats to EVERY performance for an entire year. For a dozen years these special seats have been purchased by and reserved for the same special Tibbits supporter, Ed Geishert, Sr. He and his lovely wife Norma have enjoyed seeing the shows and sharing their tickets with many dear friends over the years. At this last auction Ed made what turned out to be his final appearance at his beloved theatre. We celebrated his 95th birthday with a song and cake, and he honored us by again purchasing the BST seats but this year for a record setting price. Ed has supported the Tibbits in so many ways for so many years. We are grateful.
Ed passed on Friday. While he will be dearly missed, we are confident he is at peace. I am certain many will agree he has touched many people and made a difference in many ways; he has made our theatre as well as our community a better place. Thank you Ed and may eternal light shine upon you.
Edwin C. Geishert, Sr.
COLDWATER — Edwin C. Geishert, Sr., 95, of Coldwater, passed away Friday, Jan. 6, 2012 at The Laurels of Coldwater.
Edwin “Ed” was born Nov. 5, 1916 in South Bend, Ind., to Oliver and Mildred (Hawkey) Geishert, and graduated from Niles High School in 1934.
He began training as a tool and die engineer, a profession he would continue throughout his life. Ed became the chief engineer for several air conditioner and water heater manufacturers in Chicago, Ill., Houston, Texas, Evansville, Ind. and finally settling in 1955 with General Processing in Quincy. He held several patents and was the successful owner/operator of various business ventures during the 1970s, 80s and 90s, including Quincy Reel, Geishert’s Truck Stop, Insul-Roof, Ed-de’s Restaurant and Anchor Enterprises specializing in stained glass. Some of his well-known projects include stained glass windows at the Coldwater Elks Lodge, Tibbits Opera House and the Old Firehouse Restaurant (now Siren’s). When the front doors at Tibbits are restored, they will have the stained glass windows framed and hung in the theatre in honor of Ed. Working with his son, Edwin Jr., they designed, built and distributed various medical devices for Miles Laboratories of Elkhart, Ind. Their electrophoresis machines were used in the early stages of RNA and DNA research throughout the world.
Ed’s greatest passions were traveling, hunting and fishing with family and friends. He pursued these activities across the U.S., Alaska and Canada.
Ed became a member of Tibbits in 1976 and was a Barton S. Tibbits sponsor for 12 years. He was also a member of the Coldwater Noon Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow, Past President of the Quincy Rotary Club; a life member of Mount Vernon Lodge #166 F & AM; and was a member of Mizpah Shrine, the Coldwater Eagles Aerie 1907 and 63-year life member of the Coldwater Elks. He was one of a group of seven who founded the Quincy Golf Course. He offered more than one Sunday sermon during a match on the fourth hole of the course, his signature hole known as “bean hill.” Ed, with friend Barney Stempien, also originated the Quincy Tip-Up Festival.
Survivors include his wife, Norma (Lenon) Geishert, whom he married Sept. 20, 2002; son, Edwin (Penny) Geishert, Jr. of Quincy; nieces, Amy Geishert of Lansing and Elizabeth Englert of Cadiz, Ky.; three grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two step-daughters, Beth (David) Hoppe of Battle Creek and Sandra (Brian) Sexton of Coldwater; five step-grandchildren; and one special step-great-grandson, Brock Sexton.
Ed was preceded in death in 2001 by his wife, Sylvia, of 54 years; parents; brother, Charles; and three sisters, Dorothy, Helen and Betty.
Visitation for family and friends is scheduled for Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. at the Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel in Quincy, including a Masonic Service of Remembrance at 7 p.m.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday at 4 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Coldwater, with Father Stephen Bartlett officiating. Visitation at the church will be from 3 p.m. until time of service.
Memorials are suggested to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (bell tower restoration fund) or Tibbits Opera House Restoration Fund.
