Dozens of family members and friends gathered March 7 in Oconto Falls to celebrate the 94th birthday of Betty Geiger, a beloved mother, grandmother and friend whose life has been filled with family, music and community.
Geiger was born in 1932 in Little Chute to John and Anna Jansen. She later raised her own family in Little Chute, where she was known not only as a devoted mother of four children but also as the owner and operator of the local establishment Jacks or Better.
Those who know Geiger often remember her warm spirit and joyful personality. She has always loved music and dancing and was known to hum a tune while working during the busiest times in the kitchen. Her love of dancing is well known in the family — she even taught her son Jim how to do the Twist.
Betty also has a creative side. She enjoyed crocheting and spent many hours making beautiful blankets that have been treasured gifts for family members and dear friends over the years. Her daughter, Margo, fondly recalls helping Geiger reupholster barroom chairs during the family’s restaurant days.
In August 1987, she married Kenneth Geiger after the two met while she was working weekends as a hostess at the Lilac Plantation in Gillett. During that time, Geiger worked weekdays at a meat market in Darboy and spent weekends at the Lilac. When she married 36 years ago, she welcomed six more children into her life, embracing them as her own.
Geiger’s kindness has always been one of her defining traits. Family members say she always greets people with a warm smile, whether she has known them a lifetime or has just met them.
Her recent birthday celebration was especially meaningful as it brought together five generations of family, a testament to the strong and loving family she helped build.
Betty Geiger sits as one of five generations of the family, which includes, from left, son Jim Metz, great-granddaughter Olivia Hemstock, great-great-grandson James Hemstock and granddaughter Abbey McGlone. (Contributed)
