Harlan Geihsler

Harlan Edward Geihsler, age 81, died Monday, February 18, 2008 at the Decatur County Good Samaritan Center in Oberlin.

Harlan was born in Palisade on May 14, 1926 to Harold W. and Sophia M. (Kircher) Geihsler. He attended Palisade Public Schools.

He married Anna Irene Lewis on August 12, 1947 in Oberlin, Kansas. To this union three children were born, Dean, Debra and Donna. They made their home southeast of McCook, where he enjoyed being a farmer since 1947. He was Santa Claus for 40 years for schools, nursing homes and families.

He was in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946 as a Squadron Leader. He served in the Asiatic Pacific Campaign and received a Purple Heart for his involvement on Okinawa Island.

He was a member of the American Legion and the VFW.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Anna on April 18, 2005; and brother, Gerald.

He is survived by his son, Dean of Colby, Kansas, daughters, Debra Geihsler of Boston, Mass. and Donna Geihsler of Wichita, Kan.; brother, Burdette Geihsler and wife, Gleannys of Benkelman; sister, Burdean Melchert and husband, Alfred of Stratton; six grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Memorials were to be given in his name.

Funeral services were Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Chapel with Jerry Beckenhauer officiating. Burial took place in the Danbury-Marion Cemetery.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

---