Lillian Geisler

MADISON - Lillian “Lil” (Kosikowski) Geisler, age 90, passed away peacefully with her family surrounding her on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019. Lil was born to Anna and Julius Fuss on June 7, 1929, in Milwaukee, Wis. Growing up, Lil had a very close lifelong relationship with her sister, Mary, and brother, Peter. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from UW-Milwaukee. Lil married Larry Kosikowski on Aug. 18, 1951. They moved to Fort Riley, Kan., while Larry was in the army, and had their first child, Cindy, then returned to Hales Corners, Wis., and had four more children, Lynne, Mark, Julie and Margie. Lil taught kindergarten, even teaching Lynne one year. They later moved to Madison. Lil loved to volunteer with her kids’ schools and sports and to plan parties - surprise parties, progressive dinner parties, or “Come as You Are” parties where she would call at odd hours and make you wear exactly what you were wearing to the party. She enjoyed long days at the Westside Pool, playing bridge with friends, and cleaning the house when she couldn’t sleep. Lil and Larry instilled a love of travel in their children, taking them to 48 of the 50 states, but they “had to get to Alaska and Hawaii on their own.” Lil encouraged her children’s passions, whether it was traveling, sports, horses, work, moving across the country or starting their own business. Lil loved to live vicariously through her children’s adventures. When the grandchildren came, Lil was the first to arrive at the hospital, and was thrilled to be "Gramma Lil" to her five grandkids, Lee, Jay, Carlie, Sean and Alex. Lil married Walter Cole on April 11, 1987. They fell in love the night they met and never spent a day apart until he passed away. Lil married LeRoy Geisler on April 14, 2000. Lil and Le enjoyed all the activities at Oakwood - horse drawn hay rides, carnivals, and arts and crafts with the younger grandchildren. Lil met her special friend and dear companion, Thom Boykoff, a few years ago. Thom and Lil laughed and enjoyed each other’s company every day all day. Lil's children were thrilled that she had someone who made her so happy in her final years. Some days you would hear belly laughter coming from Lil’s room, and when you asked, “What was so funny?” they would look at each other and laugh even more because neither one could remember. In June, Lil celebrated her 90th birthday with a party complete with family, friends, songs, food and a crown. Lil was always a woman of grace. She never complained, even with many serious health issues and physical limitations. She always said that her life was full and so much fun. Lil is survived by her children and grandchildren, Cindy (Kerry), Lee (Simone) and Jay Hubanks, Lynne (Jim) Minton, Mark (Lisa Lewis) Kosikowski and Cody Lewis Pine, Julie (Steve), Carlie (fiancé Zack Pataska) and Alex Wipperfurth, Margie (Jon) and Sean Giles; and her loving companion, Thom Boykoff. Lil was predeceased by her former husband, Larry Kosikowski; husbands, Walter Cole and LeRoy Geisler; her parents; siblings and their spouses; and many in-laws and friends. A memorial service will be held at RESURRECTION CHAPEL AT OAKWOOD WEST, Heritage Oaks door, 6205 Mineral Point Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 23, 2019. Visitation will be held at the chapel from 10:15 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. on Monday. The family would like to thank Agrace HospiceCare, especially Kristen and Alison for their care and help in the last year, and the staff at Oakwood. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations can be made in Lil Geisler’s name to Agrace Hospice and Palliative Care or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761