Francis L. Geswein, 94, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 23, 2022. Francis, known as Shorty, Frank, Junior, or June, was the oldest graduate of Providence High School, having obtained his G.E.D. from Providence in 1969. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served our country in Japan during the post WWII Occupation. A devout Catholic, he was a long-time member of St. John the Baptist and Holy Family Catholic Churches in Starlight and New Albany. Francis retired from the former Hooker Chemical Company in Clarksville and Koetter Woodworking, Inc., in Borden.
He was a self-taught piano player, and people enjoyed his music at dances, wedding receptions, family gatherings, Huber Winery, and the former Borden Museum. He helped make sure music was a part of each of his children’s education. Known by many, loved by all, people in his church and community benefited from his gentle Christian leadership. Francis was active in many ministries in the parishes to which he belonged. Countless people experienced the artistry of his work in picture-framing and rosary-making hobbies over the years. Soft-spoken, knowledgeable, and sincere, he was a gifted listener and loved to learn. Faith and family were his driving forces and inspiration to all. Francis leaves a legacy of Christian faith, love of family and music, strong work ethic, loyalty to friends, and devotion to his loving wife of 73 years, Mary.
Francis was born on October 31, 1927, in Lanesville, Indiana, to Frank John and Mary Teresa (Pressler) Geswein. After his mother’s death when he was very young, he was raised by his father and stepmother, Rose (Glotzbach). He is also preceded in death by his brothers, Earl, George, and Joe; and sister, Louise Stilger.
In addition to his wife, Mary E. (Smith), he is survived by his children, Bob (Rosemary Barmore), Tony (Susie), Kathy (Darryl “Butch”) Wilt, Larry, Susie (Ron) Naville, Beverly (Darris) Knear, and Francine (Kevin) Gettelfinger. He was proud of his 18 grandchildren, Angie (Bill) Kaiser, Christy (Greg) Nash, Nick (Brittany) Geswein, David (Rebecca) Geswein, Brad (Virginia) Geswein, Laura (Tyler) Henshaw, Jeremy Wilt, Christopher (Stephanie) Wilt, Shalon (Patrick) Murphy, Gia (Chris) Ueding, Lisa (James) Zwissler, Chad (Ryan) Naville-Cook, Adam (Brittany) Naville, Katie and Michelle Knear, and Sarah, Lucas, and Annie Gettelfinger; and equally proud of his 32 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Marie “Pat” Huth, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
His visitation will be Tuesday, March 29, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions (3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany). The Funeral Mass will be at 12:00 Noon at Holy Family Catholic Church (129 West Daisy Lane, New Albany, 47150), followed by burial with military honors at Holy Trinity Cemetery in New Albany. The funeral will be live-streamed by Holy Family Catholic Church on Facebook.
Please pray for Shorty’s soul and for his family during this time.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.