Leonard James "Jim" Geiger

Leonard James (Jim) Geiger, 82, passed away peacefully at CHI St. Alexius Hospital on Saturday, December 28, 2024. A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 3:00 PM in the Chapel at the ND Veteran’s Cemetery in Mandan, North Dakota; with Deacon Wayne Jundt, presiding. A light lunch will follow at the Bismarck AmVets at approximately 4:00 PM and all are welcome!

Jim was born at home on the family farm near Shields ND on November 5, 1942 to John and Monika (Babel) Geiger.

Jim grew up in Bismarck, ND and during his teen years, moved to Nampa, Idaho; where he graduated from high school. He returned to ND for a short time where he worked for the Mandan Creamery and the ND State Highway Department until he was called to serve in Vietnam. Jim would say that it was while he was in the military when he really grew up. After an honorable discharge from the United States Army Jim returned to Bismarck and began a 45 year career at the Bismarck Tribune.

Jim met Marilyn Laib in 1966 and they were married at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in June 1970. They were blessed with one son, Daniel James in 1975, who was the light of their life!

Jim and Marilyn loved taking road trips and making new friends as they made their way across the country and into Canada on their motorcycle. In fact, you could easily define Jim as being "passionate about riding”! Throughout his life, he owned over 15 motorcycles over the course of 52 years and proudly put on over 600,000 miles (he loved his “Harley’s)! Jim was a member of the Amvets Club, HOG MC Club & the Retreads MC Club. 

Jim was also a great lover of music. He played guitar and sang a variety of songs with his favorite artists and tunes from the 1960’s – 1980’s. His sense of humor was truly unique and there was one situation where he joked about having only “three words” in his obituary simply stating – “Jim is dead”. 

Jim’s devout Catholic faith, commitment to his family and gentle spirit will be always remembered by all who knew and loved him. 

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Marilyn; son, Captain Daniel James Geiger NDARNG; sister, LaVonn Wenger, Auburn, WA; brother, Edward Geiger, Pacific, Washington and several nieces and nephews. 

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; two baby brothers (Archie & Leonard); brothers, Anton (Tony) and Leo Geiger; sister, Ann Watson; nephews, Rocky Wenger and Bruce Geiger; parents-in-law, Edwin & Elizabeth Laib and two brothers-in-law, Ronald and Byron Laib.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jim’s honor to the ND Veteran’s Cemetery 1825 46th Street, Mandan, ND or ND Kidney Foundation.