Debra Mary Geist

Debra Mary Geist, 72, of Springfield, passed away at 11:54 pm, Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Springfield Memorial Hospital. She was born on January 7, 1954, in Ft. Hood, TX, the daughter of Paul Francis and Katherine Frances (Bown) Powell. She married James Michael Geist on October 30, 1971, at St. Joseph Church in Springfield. He preceded her in death on December 1, 2019.

She is survived by three children, Michael (Lori) Geist; Melissa Geist and Jennifer (Les) Robinson, all of Springfield; seven grandchildren; three great grandchildren; four sisters, Susan (Raymond) Roth of Rochester, IL; Judy Havrilka of Moscow Mills, MO; Nancy (Don) Disterheft of La Porte, IL and Janice Bounds of Springfield; six brothers, Paul (Gem) Powell of Madison, ME, William Woods of Girard; Richard (companion Tammy) Woods of Peoria, William (Katie) Powell of Chambersburg, PA, Patrick (Tina) Woods of Springfield and Eddie Woods of Springfield and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Debra was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Springfield, where she was active for many years in the Prayer group and Marriage Encounter along with her husband. She enjoyed bowling, reading and was highly involved in her kids and grandkids’ activities.

She was the Executive Secretary to the Director of Catechistical Ministries and Associate Director of Catechesis at Diocese of Springfield, IL. From 1997-2005 she worked at St. Joseph Church as the Church Secretary.

Visitation: 4 – 7 pm, Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Staab Funeral Home -Springfield with a prayer service at 3:45 pm at the funeral home.

Funeral Mass: 11:30 am, Friday, May 15, 2026, at St. Joseph Church with Reverend Manuel Cuizon officiating and Deacon Raymond Roth assisting. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Church

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