CHARLES L. (JUNIOR) GEISLER, 63, a lifelong resident of Madison,
Indiana, died March 12, 1993 of cancer. Anyone going south on Rt.
421 knew Charlie’s place by his row after row of ‘iron
treasures.’
At age 18, he became an over-the-road truck driver, where along
the way he found numerous treasures throughout every state and
parts of Canada. For a while he operated a garage in Canaan,
Indiana, but the road called him back, his reason pure and simple:
he heard the calling of the Deeres, saw the steam of the Huber, the
strength of the Samson and tug of the Moline.
In 1949, he married Pauline Shoots and became the instant father
to five children. Two more children blessed them through time. He
also had a love for cats and dogs, especially a dog named Sam.
Charlie served as a director and boiler inspector at the Pioneer
Engineer’s Club in Rushville, Indiana, for many years. Steam
engines sat idle if they didn’t meet the sharp mind of Charlie.
He had a wealth of information which he shared with many who came
to see him exhibiting his Huber steam engine and many unusual items
at the Rushville and Portland shows, or with those who stopped at
his home to see his collection. Charlie always said. ‘I have
junk and I have ‘good’ junk.’ He could take nothing and
make something out of it.
Charlie will be greatly missed by his family and the many
friends he made in life. His memory will live on for many years to
come.
Submitted by his daughter, Suzanne Smith, and friends
William and Marlene Schmid, 19564 St. Rt. 1, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
47025.
WILBUR A. SKAAR, 89, of Alameda, California, passed away
December 17, 1990. He grew up working with steam near Hixton,
Wisconsin, then moved to Montana, where he attended college,
obtaining a first class steam engineer’s license. He worked as
a machinist, retiring in 1969 from Alameda Naval Station. He was a
member of Masonic Lodge 59, and had been a resident of Gar-field
Rehabilitation Center, Alameda, for two years preceding his
death.
He was married to Bertha (Hulburt) in 1936. She died in December
1982. He is survived by a brother Burt, a sister Doris,
sisters-in-law Florence and Ann, and nieces and nephews.
He kept his engines, a Case road roller and a Reeves, at his
brother’s farm near Taylor, Wisconsin. Both of these engines
are now shown annually at the Mid-West Old Steam Threshers Reunion,
Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.
Submitted by Chuck Sindelar, S47W22300 Lawnsdale Rd.,
Waukesha, Wisconsin 53186.
ROBERT S. RAMSEY of New Palestine, Indiana, passed away July 11,
1992. He was a life member, director and exhibitor of the Pioneer
Engineer’s Club of Rushville, Indiana.
He traveled to steam thresher reunions and shows in many states.
He began his love of steam and engineering life with his father at
an early age. Born in 1916, he lived in the days when steam power
was still in use on the farm.
He collected and restored gas engines. A steam friend, Dane
Fansler of Topeka, Kansas, is proud owner of his model steam engine
now being exhibited in parades and steam shows.
My Bob will be deeply missed by his many friends and family.
Submitted by his wife, Marian Ramsey, 48 W. Mill St., New
Palestine, Indiana 46163.
