Russel Wayne Geist

Russel Wayne Geist, age 28, of Ottawa, Kansas, died Wednesday, October 12, 2011, at Ransom Memorial Hospital in Ottawa. He was born on Friday, November 5, 1982, in Lawrence, Kansas, the son of Rick Geist and Rhonda J. (Dryden) Geist-Thomas. He was a lifelong resident of Ottawa. Russel graduated from Ottawa High School with the class of 2002. Since September of 2010, Russel has been employed as a Deputy for the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department. He had previously worked as a corrections officer for five years with the Sheriff’s Department. He had also worked in sales for Crist Auto and T-Mobile, both of Ottawa, and Steve’s Auto Plaza in Lawrence, Kansas. He was a member of Kansas Fraternal Order of Police. He is survived by his: Son-Aidan Wendt of Osawatomie, Kansas; Father-Rick Geist and his wife, Kim, of Ottawa, Kansas; Mother-Rhonda Thomas and her husband, Don, of Crawfordsville, Iowa; Brother-Ryan Geist of Washington, Iowa; Brother-Raymond Geist and his wife, Carrie, of Wellsville, Kansas; Sister-Katlyn Geist of Ottawa, Kansas; Brother-Tyler Wiederholt of Ottawa, Kansas; Paternal Grandmother-Jean Geist of Ottawa, Kansas; Maternal Grandmother-Darlene Dryden of Pomona, Kansas; Step grandparents-Gary and Margaret Davis of Lawrence, Kansas; Nephews (2)- Landon Geist; Gage Geist; Niece-Jacie Geist; Numerous Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. He is preceded in death by his: Grandfather-Robert Geist Grandfather-John Dryden, Sr. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held at Ottawa University Chapel, 1001 Cedar, at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 19, 2011. Family will meet with friends from 7:00 to 8:00 Tuesday evening at Ottawa University Chapel. IN STATE: Russel will lie in state at the Dengel & Son Mortuary in Ottawa, from 1 to 9:00 p.m. Monday and 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tuesday. CEMETERY: Highland Cemetery in Ottawa, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Aidan Wendt Education Fund, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.