Joseph Melvin Geisel, 51, Loved Baseball

Growing up, he and his family were avid Boy Scouts, leading their own Troop, # 331. He would go on to achieve the highest rank and honor in Boy Scouts, Eagle Scout.

He loved baseball and played, coached and enjoyed watching the game his entire life. He spent many joyful years in Lorain baseball leagues including coaching his sons and many of Lorain's youth in Lorain Youth Baseball. He also enjoyed board games, and, as an adult, he found his "inner nerd" on Saturday game nights with his cousin, and best friend, Bob Szabo.

Joe's greatest accomplishment was his two sons. They gave him purpose. He loved them fiercely. Watching them grow into men was a privilege for him.

Joe suffered from diabetes and renal disease and fought for legislative change for Living Donor protection in Ohio. He fought a long, hard battle. He was supported by loving and motivating caregivers Dr. Diana Deitzer, Dr. Praful Maroo, and Dr. John Gerace. He also had the love and support of the Fairview MICU nursing staff.

He is survived by his devoted wife Shawnda ( nee Mullins), sons Zachary (Bub) and Joseph (Jojo) of Lorain, brothers Charles of Texas, and James, of Lorain, Uncle and Aunt, Robert and Jammie Szabo of Amherst, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins, and treasured friends.

Visitation will be Friday from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Avenue, Lorain. Funeral services will be Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral chapel with Reverend Daniel Wenger officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memory Gardens, Avon. Following the cemetery service, attendees are invited to join Joe’s family for extended fellowship at Lakeview Baptists Church, 591 Ferndale Avenue, Vermilion.

In acceptance of his wishes, please consider donations to either the National Kidney Foundation or the Cleveland Indians Charities in Joe’s memory.