Norman John "Norm" Geolat's Obituary
Norman John "Norm" Geolat, 99 years old of Belleville, IL, passed away on June 4, 2025 at St. Elizabeth Hospital, O'Fallon, IL. He was born February 27, 1926, in Belleville, IL. He was married to the late Dolores (Schindler) Geolat. They were married May 29, 1954, at St. Teresa Church, Belleville, IL. She passed away December 14, 2014.
Norman had retired after 32 yrs. as a department manager for Sears Roebuck and Co. He and his wife Dolores were the owners of Geolat Auction Co., Belleville, IL, and was a real estate broker. He was a member of St. Teresa Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, where he served as an Eucharistic Minister, was on the building committee, and was the originator of the parish bingo. Norm lived life to the fullest, having many interests. He was an avid experimental gardener, growing cocoa beans, kiwi, square watermelons, cotton, and much more. Many family members and friends enjoyed his fruits and vegetables. He was the Belleville Farmer's Market Master for nine years and the Swansea Market Master for 8 years. Norm was a member of the CK & L of I, Catholic War Veterans, Turkey Hill Grange, Belleville News Democrat Advisory Board, BEACON Board, one of the founders and board member of Bethany Place, St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants Department Board, Hand Washing Instructor, Metro East Community Charity Auction for 19 yrs., delivered meals for Catholic Urban Programs, active with Catholic Ministry To Sick and Aged, donated auctioneer service to local charities for over 50 years, and was the founder of the Norm's Club International and the 90+ Club. He served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army, and was an Army Veteran of the Korean War.
Surviving are his children: Mary (Michael) Aimerito of St. Louis, Mo, Barbara (Kenneth) Pajares of Belleville, IL, Thomas (Debra) Geolat of Monument, CO and Michael (Susan) Geolat of Lebanon, IL; grandchildren, James (Dalena) Pajares, John (Sara) Pajares, Anna (Jeremy Clover) Pajares, Nicholas Geolat, Sarah Geolat, Brian Geolat and Maggie (fiance Matt
Schein) Geolat; great-grandchildren, Isabel, Lillie, Levi, Aurie, Owen and Colt Pajares; sister-in-law, Janice Geolat.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; John Edward and Hedwig Marie, nee Sandmeyer, Geolat; brothers, Frank, Bernard (Joan), and Joseph (Borg) Geolat; brothers-in-law, Msgr. Clement Schindler, Fred (Florence) Schindler, Raymond (Mildred and Alma) Schindler, Joe (Margaret) Schindler; sisters-in-law, Loretta (Joseph) Witt, Mildred (Joseph) Reeb, and Dorothy (Paul) Christophe.
Visitation will be Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 8:30 am - 11:00 am, at St. Teresa Catholic Church, 1201 Lebanon Avenue, Belleville, IL. Funeral Mass will follow visitation at 11:00 am at church, with Fr. Joseph Oganda officiating. Interment will take place in the Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, Il.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to: St. Vincent dePaul or The Ministry to the Sick and Aged.
What’s your fondest memory of Norman?
What’s a lesson you learned from Norman?
Share a story where Norman's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Norman you’ll never forget.
How did Norman make you smile?
