Obituary of Roger Francois Geissmann

March 4, 1926 - Mulhouse, France

January 22, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Roger Francois Geissmann, beloved husband of the late, Johanna Josefa (Brunner) Geissmann of Calgary, AB, passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2023 at the age of 97 years.

Roger was born in Mulhouse, Alsace, France on March 4, 1926 to Louise and Leon Geissmann. Roger emigrated from France to Calgary, AB with his wife and son in 1953. Roger and Johanna were resilient, hardworking, and frugal and became an essential part of Canadian society.

Roger was a proud veteran of WWII. First as a resistance fighter and then answering the call to join de Gaulle’s Free French First Army. The division was formed by the first units to rally to de Gaulle after the fall of France.

An avid craftsman, reader of books and history enthusiast, Roger enjoyed hunting in his younger days and grew to champion conservationism later in life. The mountains were his happy and safe place.

Roger participated in the Alberta chapter of the ACSFQ, an association for French veterans and soldiers. Additionally, Roger was a fifty-year member of the Royal Canadian Legion, where he and Joanna enjoyed volunteering and attending social activities.

Roger was predeceased by his loving wife of 63 years, Johanna (2008), his mother, Louise (1940), and father, Leon (1940) and his brother, Pierre (2014). Roger is survived by his son, Peter Geissmann of Calgary, AB; and two grandsons, Robert Geissmann (Nancy (nee Smith) Geissmann, Michael Geissmann (Zulema Franco) and four great-grandchildren, Delia, Carlos, Chloe, and Adrian; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

At Rogers’ request, there will be no Funeral Service. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Veterans Food Bank of Calgary, 4619 6 St NE #1, Calgary, AB T2E 3Z6, https://www.iatspayments.com/saaura/PAE74A0E3807A1AB24.

In living memory of Roger Geissmann, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.