SR0410 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0410 LRB102 19010 MST 27738 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Dale Michael Geiss, MD, who passed away on June 11, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Geiss was born in Mandan, North Dakota to Lawrence and Clara Geiss on April 6, 1944; he was an excellent student and was chosen to enter the Catholic seminary at the age of 14; he finished high school and two years of college at St. John's Seminary; he earned a degree from North Dakota State University and did his graduate work in neuropsychology; he received his medical degree from Baylor University in Texas; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Geiss completed surgical residencies in California, Wisconsin, and Toronto; he became proficient in both adult and pediatric cardiac surgery; he settled in Peoria and established a reputation for superior skills and immense compassion; he founded the Children's Heart Institute in l980 and accomplished many "firsts", such as pediatric mitral valve repair and the Norwood procedure; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Geiss spent most of his surgical career at OSF St. Francis in Peoria; later, he helped revive struggling programs in the Quad Cities and Champaign-Urbana; he completed 12,000 surgeries over his lifetime; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Geiss could make it fun to be in the operating room; he enjoyed flying his twin engine Aerostar; he loved watching sports, especially football, and caring for stray cats; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Geiss's family includes Pam, Kristin, and Pam's daughter, Amy; Kristin is married to Michael Curran and has four grown children and three grandkids; Amy and her husband, Bill, have twin teenage boys; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Dale Michael Geiss, MD and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Dr. Geiss as an expression of our deepest sympathy.