Details

Collection Summary
Collection: FND001 - SHSND Foundation - North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program
Series: Tribute
Folder: DIG
Item: 272101
Title: Jack L. Geske
Date: 9/19/1960-3/9/2026
Inscription/Marks: 9/19/1960
Summary: Jack Leonard Geske, 65, passed away on March 9, 2026, in his home surrounded by family. A funeral service was held March 18, 2026, at Federated Church UCC/UMC, Carrington, ND. Jack was born September 19, 1960, in Carrington, to Leonard and Anna (Hallwachs) Geske. He was the fourth and youngest child. He grew up working alongside his family on the ranch with sheep, cattle, and horses -- even though he preferred a motorcycle. He was naturally active in 4-H and FFA, and developed a lifelong appreciation of leathercraft, thanks to Keith Pryor. After high school, he joined the North Dakota National Guard, where he formed many lifelong friendships during his 22 years of service. He attended Lake Region Junior College, graduating with a degree in carpentry and cabinet making in May of 1980. On June 27, 1980, he married Donna Probasco at the Carrington Federated Church. Jack built a long and dedicated career in construction. His work took him to many places, from Florida, Texas, Minnesota, Montana, Jamaica, and, of course, North Dakota. He lived in several communities along the way, including Gackle and Page, before they moved back home to Carrington and then the family ranch. Jack and Donna were blessed with their son, Jacob, in 1983, followed by their daughter, Katie, in 1986. Working as a family was a tradition that never ended - whether on the family ranch or in the construction business. His family also extended to the many families he did projects for over the years, earning him the honorary title of “Uncle Jack.” Anyone who knew Jack knew his unmatched work ethic. When shingling, you prayed no one else was shingling nearby because Jack never came in second place. Those who worked alongside him will always remember his unmistakable calls of “SHINGLES!” and “NAILS!” Construction was his passion - it filled his soul and brought him great joy, pride, and lifelong friendships. Jack’s compassion for the community was evident through his service with the Jaycees, Rodeo Committee, wildlife club, Woodworth American Legion member, township board, and Northern Plains Electric Co-op board. He was also recognized for his 65 years of membership with North Dakota Stockmen’s Association. From dressing like an elf in tights for the Christmas Parade to participating in the “Best Legs” contest, his dedication to the area and communities he loved was unmistakable. Jack became a grandpa in 2006, a role he treasured deeply. His grandkids truly stole his heart- he even finally changed a couple diapers. The structures he built may stand for years, but the family, values, and work ethic he built will last for generations. He is survived by his wife Donna; his son, Jacob, of Fort Worth, TX; his daughter, Katie (Shannon) Petersen, of Carrington; grandchildren, Jarrett, RiLynn, Peyton, Archer, Flint, Timber, and Steele. He is also survived by his mother, Anna, of Pingree, ND; his siblings, Helen Bucklin, Chinook, MT, Steve Geske, Dickinson; and sister-in-law, Karen (Mike) Skinner, Phoenix, AZ; along with many nieces, nephews and extended family members and friends. Jack was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Geske; his brother, Mike Geske; his sister-in-law, Renee (Hartl) Geske; his brother-in-law, Gene Bucklin; his great-nephew, Austin Bucklin; his mother-in-law, Verna Goff; his father-in-law, Donald Probasco; and grandparents, Charles and Helen (Paluh) Hallwachs and Charley and Bertha (Piper) Geske.
Red ID: FND_I_79594 Image ID: 555951 Image Notes: FND001 272101

Collection: FND001 Digitized Images from Collection
Title: SHSND Foundation - North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program
Date: -

Summary: The North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program is sponsored by the North Dakota Funeral Directors Association. The life stories of deceased North Dakotans are featured in an archvied collection. Current partners in the project are Eastgate Funeral & Cremation Services, Bismarck Evans Funeral Homes, Carrington and New Rockford Everson-Coughlin Funeral Home, Williston Fulkerson Funeral Home, Tioga Fulkerson Funeral Home, Watford City Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home, Williston Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau Parkway Funeral Service, Bismarck Springan Stevenson Funeral Home, Stanley Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson These funeral homes provide recent obituaries to the Foundation, where staff and volunteers format, edit and archive each memorial. The memorials are posted, and copies are sent to the family for their input and approval. The listing currently features more than 13,000 memorials, and is constantly updated as new memorials and histories are received.

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