Danny Lee Geiss, 73, passed away peacefully at The Cottages in New Lenox, IL with his wife of 54 years by his side. Survived by his wife Donna; 4 children, Jeffrey (Ferly) Geiss, Kevin (Melanie) Geiss, Stefanie (Joey) West, Nicholas (Neely) Geiss; 12 grandchildren, Calvin Geiss, Joan Geiss, Shelby and Lilly Olsen, Nicole West, Andrew (Brie Yaritz) Elliot, Jacob (Sarah) Elliott, Lauren (Jake Holubik) Elliott, Keighan Witte, Moira Geiss, Danny Geiss and Makenzie Geiss; 3 great-grandchildren, Jett Holubik, Everleigh Holubik and Hudson Elliott. He is also survived by his sister Kathy (Dave) Melhorn, brothers in law Lee Younker and Ed Cooper, sisters-in-law Debbi and Linda Barten, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceded in death by his father, Calvin Geiss (2002); mother, Margaret Geiss (2019); father-in-law Harold Barten (1972) and mother-in-law, Fern Barten (2003). He is also preceded in death by sisters-in-law Cheryl Younker and Sandy Cooper, and brother-in-law Richard Barten.

Danny was born April 17th, 1950, and was the son of Calvin and Margaret (nee Rogers) Geiss. His family moved from Elwood to Manhattan in 1967. He graduated from Lincoln Way Central High School in 1968. He met Donna and they were married in 1969 and have lived in Manhattan their entire married life.

After graduation, he worked for C & A Disposal, then owned and operated CDT landfill for many years. After retirement, he volunteered at Silver Cross Hospital- eventually, going back to work driving the shuttle bus for 10 years.

Danny's life was his family and his work. He worked hard all his life, but never forgot to make time for his family for vacations, coaching baseball, attending volleyball and cheer tournaments, softball, football, and soccer games and school performances. Later on, when the grandkids came, there was the same love and commitment shown to them as he did for his children. He was the equipment manager for the Joliet Raiders Youth Football Team and spent many hours fitting helmets and pads and cheering them on from the side. He traveled miles and miles to attend football games, from youth to high school to college, and all of it with a big smile on his face. He loved traveling, camping, and hunting, and spent many weekends in the fall down in southern Illinois at hunt camp with his buddies and especially his brother-in-law, Richard Barten. He and Donna traveled extensively in their camper to Florida, Colorado, Tennessee, North Carolina, and many other places, bringing their beloved dogs along with. They also took many cruises with family and friends, leaving them with wonderful memories.

He was Past Master of Elwood Lodge #919 AF and AM and was Past Patron of OES #761 of Elwood. He was also a member of St. Paul's UCC and a past Council Member.

Special thanks to the nurses and staff of The Cottages, especially Cottage 3. Their compassion, love, and support helped make this journey bearable.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Danny's name to St. Paul United Church of Christ, Manhattan would be most appreciated.

Visitation for Danny will take place on Thursday, December 28th, 2023 from 4-8:00 PM at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home. Funeral service will be the following day Friday, December 29th, 2023 at 11:00 AM, also at the funeral home. Per Danny's wishes, cremation will follow. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442. 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com