Bernard J. "BJ" Geary

Bernard J. “BJ” Geary, 94, of Sioux City passed away Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at a local care center.

Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, February 16, 2019 at Mater Dei Parish- Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Father Daniel Rupp officiating.  Visitation will be Friday, February 15, 2019 from 4-7 P.M. with the family present from 5-7 P.M. and a Vigil and Rosary Service at 7:00 P.M. at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel.  Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.  Online condolences may be given at www.meyerbroschapels.com. 

BJ was born June 18, 1924 in Le Mars, Iowa, the son of John and Agnes (McLaughlin) Geary.  He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1942 and served during WWII.  After being honorable discharged in 1945, BJ went to work for A&P Grocery Store, built cabinets at Curtis Sash and Door, and then went to work as a salesman for Fuller Brush for 32 years before retirement.  BJ married Ruth Collier on July 14, 1950 in Sioux City.  To this union, two daughters were born.  Ruth preceded him in death on September 10, 1980.  BJ married Nellie Zeisler on August 10, 1984 in Jackson, NE.  She preceded him in death on March 20, 2012.

“BJ Smile Geary” was a common nickname for Bernard, which fit him perfectly.  He was a kind and fun-loving man, dancing until the age of 92.  He was a member of the South Sioux City Senior Center where he enjoyed playing cards and made memorial crosses for the center, a member of the American Legion Post #175 in Jackson, NE, a member of Immaculate Conception, and a volunteer for the DAV.

Survivors include his daughters:  Pat (Cecil) Bray of Merrill, IA and Judy (Ed) Navarrete of Sioux City; grandchildren:  Chuck Bray, Becky (Jason) Ghea, Eddie Navarrete Jr., and Jeremiah Navarrete; great grandchildren:  Ava and Emma Ghea; siblings:  Margaret Grosenheider, Cecelia “Cece” Hutton, Aggie (Jim) Thelen, Leo (Eileen) Geary, and Joe (Margene) Geary; and his best friend and companion Char Haakinson of Sioux City. 

BJ was preceded in death by his parents, wives Ruth and Nellie, and siblings:  Vincent Geary, Rosemary Leber, and Richard Geary.