Jill Camille Geise, age 84, of Quincy, IL and a former resident of Estero, FL, passed away peacefully and surrounded by her family, on October 19, 2024, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL. She was the daughter, and only child of Chester Aubrey Groves and Elizabeth (Bowman) Groves.

Jill grew up in Quincy and attended Webster Grade School, followed by Quincy Junior High School. She graduated from Quincy Senior High School in 1957, and remained close friends, throughout her life, with a number of her classmates. Jill went on to graduate from Quincy College in 1960 with a degree in Elementary Education.

Jill met, and began dating the love of her life, Henry B. Geise, when she was just 16 years old. She was just shy of her 21st birthday when she and Henry married on August 6, 1965, at the Quincy College Chapel. Jill and Henry enjoyed 63 years of marriage. He preceded her in death in December of 2023.

After getting married, Jill and Henry moved to Elmhurst, IL and Jill taught kindergarten in the Elmhurst/Glen Ellyn area. In 1961, they moved to Champaign, IL and Jill taught kindergarten there while Henry attended Law School. They returned to Quincy in 1963 and Jill taught for a short while before she and Henry started their family. Jill loved being a teacher and often shared stories about her “kids.”

After the birth of their children, Jill was a stay-at-home mom and devoted her life to raising Mike and Lisa and being an active participant in Henry’s many endeavors! After the opening of Maid Rite East, Jill could often be found helping out at the restaurant, especially keeping the salad bar filled up and clean as a whistle!

Jill was happiest when she was spending time with her family; her husband, children, and grandchildren were her whole world. Being a mom was just a “warm-up” for her for the big game, which was being a grandma; her grandkids lovingly referred to her as Nannie. She loved being a grandma and was so proud of her grandkids. She was an integral part of their upbringing and enjoyed attending their activities. Jill provided unconditional love to her family, she was a great listener, and always gave the best advice.

We are not exactly sure who is going to worry about us now that she is gone!

Jill’s favorite pastimes included playing golf, traveling, taking out-of-town shopping trips, taking long walks, and Thursday nights out with friends. In her younger years, she was involved with the Madison School PTA and was a Brownie Scout leader. She was also previously a member of the Quincy Service League. She and Henry were lifelong members of Quincy County Club.

We would be remiss if we did not mention Jill’s lifelong friend group. You all know who you are and you were all “family” in her mind. Thank you for loving her and including her always. The memories are epic and endless.

Jill was of the Catholic faith and attended Our Lady of Light Catholic Church in Ft. Myers, FL and the Church of St. Peter in Quincy.

Survivors include: a son, Michael Geise, and a daughter Lisa Knuffman and her husband Bryan; grandchildren, Taylor Knuffman and her fiancé Payton Welch, and Caiden Geise and his longtime girlfriend Payten Rice, all of Quincy. A bonus granddaughter, Destiny Aden, resides in Lehi, UT. Sisters-in-law, Judy Talken of Quincy; Linda Hilgenbrink of Bridgeton, MO; Debbie Steeples and her husband Robert of Quincy. Several nieces and nephews, along with their spouses and children also survive.

Jill was preceded in death by her husband, Henry, her parents and a very special aunt, Camille Landis.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Christie Bliven, Susie Calkins, Betsey Hobbs, Patti Capps, Jodi Bliven, Jami Musolino and Toni Veals for the love and care they provided to Jill, especially over the past several months of her life. It was because of them that she was able to remain living in her own home, where she most wanted to be. To us you will always be “Team Geise.”

Also, a special thanks to the nurses and staff of Blessing ER, ICU, and most especially 6-North for the exceptional care and compassion that they provided to Jill during the final three days of her life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Peter with Rev. Zach Samples officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, October 29, 2024, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the Church. Inurnment will be at Greenmount Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Quincy Medical Group Foundation, Blessing Rieman College of Nursing, or to 6th Floor North at Blessing Hospital. Service arrangements are with Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Messages may be shared online at www.dukerandhaugh.com.