Janice Boess Geist

Janice Boess Geist, age 87, longtime resident of Des Plaines, IL passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at Mount Prospect Senior Living in Mount Prospect, IL.

Born on October 14, 1935 in Evanston, Illinois, Jan was one of four children of Murray and Phillipine Boess. After graduating from Evanston High School, Jan married Walter Geist. During their marriage, they had four children: Walter, David, Richard, and Steven. Jan followed her artistic calling as a graphic arts designer for many years at the Des Plaines Journal and later at Contemporary Publishing Group in Chicago. After retiring she enjoyed volunteering at the Des Plaines Public Library, joining the Friends of the Library group, assisting with the annual used book sales and helping others learn how to read in their ESL classes. Jan was actively engaged in her church, the First United Methodist Church in Des Plaines, IL and was on many leadership committees in the church over the years. She was an avid music lover and was a lifelong season ticket holder at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. One of her fondest memories was meeting Luciano Pavarotti and getting his autograph. Jan was a world traveler but one of her favorite places to spend time in was Colorado.

Survivors include son Walter (Peggy) of Pittsburgh, PA, son David (Debora) of Cary, IL, son Richard (Bridgett) of Lufkin, TX, and son Steven (Ray), of Vallejo, CA, grandchildren Jason, Natalie, Carrie, Zachary, and Sarah, great-grandchildren Evelyn, Lucy and Naomi, and dear friend Joanne Maresso. 

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, Murray and Phillipine Boess, brothers Murray and Eugene, sister Barbara and former spouse Walter.

Jan was a dedicated Cub fan her entire life. She also battled cancer many times, not only for herself but also for multiple family members. Because of this, we respectfully request that any charitable donations be made to the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation or the Jon Lester NVRQT (Never Quit) Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation.

The Geist family would like to thank everyone at Mount Prospect Senior Living for all the love, support, and care that they gave to Jan during the last 14 months.

A celebration of Jan's life will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Des Plaines on Sunday, January 22 at 12:30 PM. The interment will be private at Windridge Memorial Park in Cary, IL.

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