Shirley Joanne Geesling, known as Grandma Jo to many, 98, passed away Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. She was born on March 10, 1928 in Preston to Gottfried Wilham and Christine (Nelson) Hansen. Joanne married G. E. Geesling on June 28, 1946 at the Methodist parsonage in Preston. He preceded her in death on June 20, 2009.
Joanne graduated from Preston High School in 1946. She was a member of Turon Community Church. Joanne taught music and played organ and piano for church since she was 12 years old up to just 2 weeks ago. She taught piano lessons for 25 years. She enjoyed music, sang in a quartet, played for funerals and weddings and accompanied the students for the music festivals.
She is survived by her children, Gary (Elaine) Geesling of Turon, Patricia (Scott A.) Sledgister of Hutchinson and Mary (Trudi Youngquist) Geesling of Palm Springs, California; grandchildren, Eric (Danielle) Geesling, Jeff (Julia) Geesling, Alan (Lori) Geesling, Kate (Matt) Hillers and Julie (Shawn) Wright; great-grandchildren, Garrett (Courtney) Geesling, Kayley Geesling, Abigail (Logan) Neinke, Levi Geesling, Cheyann Geesling, Alex (Audry) Geesling and Jillian Geesling; great-great grandson, David Geesling; and nephew, Larry Clay.
Joanne is preceded in death by her parents; husband, G. E. Geesling; and sisters, Virginia Clay and Irene Jordan.
A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Turon Community Church with Steve Gill presiding. The family will visit with friends after the service. Inurnment will follow at a later date at Turon Cemetery, Turon.
Memorials may be made to Turon Community Church or Turon Senior Center. Online condolences may be made at www.larrisonmortuary.com.