Margaret L. Geisler

Margaret Geisler's children recognize Mom as their heroine for her many achievements from a humble beginning, and for her fierce loyalty to and support of them.

Margaret Louise Collman was born (1916) into a German-Lutheran family in Byron, Nebraska, raised on a farm near Stoddard, Nebraska, and moved with her family to Hebron, Nebraska. Her father was an inventive farmer who was often sought after for advice about farming issues. Her mother raised five children while caring for her own father and brothers. Life on the farm required hard and continuous work, but during the depression, the family did not lack for basic necessities. Margaret grew up learning to make something from nothing, graduated from Hebron High School in 1933, and then attended Hebron Lutheran College from 1933-34.

She would often recite poetry that she learned in grade school. She explained that attending a one-room school with multiple ages when the teacher was involved with other students, she was expected to memorize poems. She liked memorizing because she was good at it! She was still reciting and writing poetry when she was 97!

Margaret loved school and learning. She was determined to continue through a university education. She rode the train to the University of Nebraska in Lincoln one summer. She knew no one, and had about $20. She met another female student on the train, and when they arrived in Lincoln they decided to room together. At the end of the summer, she wanted to continue, but her father learned of a teaching position available in a neighboring county that would pay $35 a month. He was very aware of the amount of salary, and impressed on "Babe" that her income could help out the family. Reluctantly she left the university, gaining $5 a year raises, but continued attending the University of Nebraska during the summers. She taught in a one-room schoolhouse for three years starting when she was 18. Subsequently she taught in Doniphan, Nebraska, for four years.

Her one-room-school-house stories include being responsible for teaching students who were physically larger, and some who were older than she. As the teacher she was expected to arrive at school during the harsh Nebraska winters, start the wood-burning stove, break the ice on the water bucket, and other challenging maintenance chores. She loved her students and the teaching, continued to allot a portion of her salary to her family, and reveled in an active social life -- music, travel, sports, church, dating.

Margaret knew Tony Geisler while going to school in Hebron. Tony's father was the county sheriff, so he was known by many. During the depression, many moved from the Nebraska farm country to the West, in search of jobs. Tony joined his cousins in their move to Oregon, and, after accepting his proposal, Margaret joined him. They married in Stevenson, Washington, August 31, 1941. Soon after they moved to Bonneville; later they lived in Wood Village, Troutdale, and eventually settled in Gresham, where their six children were born and raised.

During WWII Margaret worked for a short time at the Kaiser Shipyards, but found leaving her two young ones in the care of others was not what she wanted for her children. She and Tony became involved in their church, and socialized with the extended family members who had emigrated to Oregon. Both she and Tony knew how to make ends meet, and she found ways to cut corners so that they could live within his salary.

However, at the time the two oldest children were entering school, Margaret became involved with their school. The third and fourth children were being born and Margaret knew a second salary would be needed, and she maintained her passion for education. With the course work she had received at the University of Nebraska, the Troutdale Grade School principal called on her to substitute teach. It wasn't long before he encouraged her to go back to school to earn a degree.

Wife, mother of four, teacher, student and homemaker, Margaret held everything together. A costume was needed for a children's play or activity? A Sunday School class needed a teacher? Food shopping and food preparation (before cake mixes and pizza) were necessary? College classes to attend? Student assignments needed correcting? Children's efforts -- homework, activities -- needed attention? Margaret was tireless in getting it done.

Mom taught her children unconditional love, loyalty, compassion, honesty, respect, excellence, and perseverance.

Margaret completed her teaching degree from Portland State College in 1964, while teaching at East Gresham Grade School. This was the same year her oldest son earned his college degree. She subsequently taught 5th grade and was a media specialist at North Gresham and Powell Valley Grade School. She retired from the Gresham School District in 1979, and then she entered an active volunteer and travel life.

Volunteering for Meals on Wheels, Cancer Society, Snow Cap, Gresham Historical Society, Emanuel Hospital, Trinity Lutheran Church, and mentoring brought her great pleasure. Being a Sunday School Teacher, choir member, church librarian, on Altar Guild and a member of Esther Circle, were some of her pursuits. She loved being on the move, whether it was learning something new, going on drives, or traveling around the country and internationally.

Every week Margaret treated her family to home-made cinnamon rolls -- baked on Saturday and devoured on Sunday mornings before church. She spent summers gardening and canning fruits and vegetables, supporting her children in earning their own money by picking berries, and saw that they all attended college. Singing and playing music, reciting poetry, and writing poetry were lifelong activities. She loved looking at clouds.

Margaret's passion for education accounts for 18 college degrees in her children and grandchildren (28 if you count spouses). She had great expectations of her 12 great-grandchildren when she passed from this life on January 18, 2014.

Locate on Walk:

• Stage Wall (Left Wall), 1-13