Born February 26, 1936 in Midland, Texas to Ralph and Eulalia Geisler. He attended Midland Elementary through 5th grade. Some of the happiest years for him, grades 6th through 8th, were spent at Moye Military Academy in Castroville, Texas, run by Sisters of the Incarnate Word. Here he learned to play the piano, which became a lifelong passion. He attended Midland High School graduating in three years in 1953. In 1988 he was inducted into the Midland High School Hall of Fame.
Gerry attended the University of Notre Dame, class of 1957, for Pre-Med and studied at St. Louis University School of Medicine, class of 1961. This was followed by a General Surgery Residency, St. Louis University Hospitals 1961 through July,1966. He then completed his residency in Thoracic and Cardiac surgery at UTSW Medical School, Parkland Hospital, 1966 to 1968.
In 1968 he was drafted into the U. S. Navy and served at Great Lakes Naval Station. In 1969 he served with the U.S. Marines stationed with the Third Marine Division in Quang Tri, Viet Nam, and was Commanding Officer of 3rd Medical Battalion, earning the Vietnam Civic Action Medal of Honor. The remaining 7 months were stateside at Millington Naval Air Station in Memphis, Tennessee. He left military service with the rank of Commander.
In 1970, Gerry started practice in Cardiac, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery at Baylor Hospital learning a technique called bypass surgery, a new procedure since his residency days. He became Chief of Thoracic and Cardiac surgery at St. Paul Hospital, enjoying a wonderfully fulfilling and successful practice, loving his time in surgery. He performed thousands of bypass procedures. In 1986 he and his team performed the first successful heart transplant in Dallas at St. Paul Hospital. He was honored to be asked to care for doctors and their families.
His professional associations include Diplomat and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a member of the Dallas County Medical Society, the Texas Medical Association, a Diplomat of the Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Member of the American Thoracic Society, Southern Thoracic Surgical Society, Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians, and a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and a Member of the St. Paul Hospital Foundation.
Gerry and family supported the arts with subscriptions to the Dallas Symphony, taking various grandchildren to concerts; Memberships at the Dallas Museum of Art and the Meadows Museum at SMU were important as well.
He had an amazing work ethic which he instilled in his children. To remain involved in science education, Gerry requested to be in the Willed Body Program at UTSW.
Much credit for a comfortable last three years is given to the wonderful Alisa Wade, who lovingly cared for Gerry, anticipating his needs and engaging him in countless games of Dominoes.
Gerry, called Dada by his 10 grandchildren, and his wife, Mary, enjoyed years of traveling and spending time with their family: Sons Michael Geisler (Stacy), Mark Geisler (Le'Shea), Dan Geisler, M.D.(Tracy), Daughter: Elizabeth Singel (Tim), Grandchildren: Ashli Marshall, Annie and Michael Geisler; Virginia and Christopher Geisler; Sophie, Molly, Daniel and Jack Geisler; Timothy and Ben Singel. He loved each and every one and provided for all of their education.
Preceded in death by infant son, Gerald Joseph, infant daughter Lisa Anne, grandson, Michael, brother, Gene Geisler and parents Ralph and Eulalia Geisler.
A Memorial Mass will be held Friday, June 11th, at noon at St. Monica Church. 9933 Midway Road, Dallas, 75220. In lieu of flowers, Memorials can be made to St. Monica Catholic Church, 9933 Midway Rd. 75220, or Catholic Charities, 1421 W. Mockingbird, Dallas, TX 75247.