Russel Geist was an invaluable member of the Franklin County Sheriffs office, Jeff Curry said.
Russels contagious smile and warm personality inspired those who worked with him, Curry, Franklin County Sheriff, said today in a news release.
Geist, a 28-year-old deputy with the sheriffs office, died Wednesday night after being transported to Ransom Memorial Hospital Wednesday morning.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011, at Ottawa University Chapel.
According to the release, Geist was working at about 7:30 a.m. Wednesday when he became ill. He was taken to the hospital, and died just after 10 p.m. of causes unknown at this time.
Geists death is the second in the past two years for the sheriffs office.
Deputy Sam Smith, 22, died July 23, 2010, while on duty.
Geist is an Ottawa High School graduate and would have celebrated his 29th birthday in November. He is the son of recent Ottawa Police Department retiree Rick Geist.
Russel Geist began his career with the sheriffs office working as a corrections officer in the adult detention center in 2005. In August, he was recognized, along with other county employees, for his five-year service milestone with the sheriffs office.
Numerous Facebook profiles have been dedicated to remembering Geist, posting status updates like, Watch over us. You will be missed. and RIP Russel Geist. You are already so missed!
Janice Nichols, Ottawa, remembers when her son played little league baseball with Russel Geist.
He was just a really good kid, Nichols said of Geist. He was an awesome baseball play, funny, just always a genuinely nice guy. ... He will truly be missed.
Geist will be remembered for his leadership, dedication and character, Curry said.
Russel will truly be missed by his peers, co-workers and the community, he said in the release.
For more memories and the full story on Geist, see Fridays Herald.
