Br. Nicholas Geimer
Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength. This saying by Saint Francis de Sales has always been one of my favorites, and frankly, I can’t think of a better embodiment of this truism than our Brother, Nick Geimer. Born as Norman George Geimer, when he entered religious life in 1946, he asked to be given the name Nicholas, after his father. And so, his religious name became Brother Joel Nicholas, but for most of his life he simply went by Brother Nick. That rather practical simple name fits him very well, doesn’t it?
I first got to know Nick when I came to Stevens Point, Wisconsin, from novitiate in 1983. He had returned from Nicaragua, where he had served for six years, part of that time alongside Brother James Miller. Brother Mike Kadow reminded me that Nick took on the task of relocating the wood working and industrial arts area at Pacelli High School, and I recall that he also designed a beautiful wooden altar for our community chapel according to a design by Brother Gary Smith. His woodworking prowess, of course, is now well-known and visible around the District: in almost every community house can be spotted his rendering of the District logo. He also designed a very clever wine-bottle holder, to which we have added the District logo along with his signature as a special gift for some of our benefactors. And here’s the best part of all---and speaks volumes about Nick: each of these was made from the wood of the old bleachers at DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis. In fact, I wonder if Nick ever purchased a new piece of lumber for any of his special projects, which again underlines his practical nature.
Besides his woodworking craftsmanship, as many of you know, he was also very gifted in cross-stitching, needlepoint, and weaving. When I lived with him at De ten years ago, so many evenings I’d walk by his room, and there he was, working away on a beautiful piece of cross-stitching or needlepoint. Many of his lovely designs grace the walls of the Brothers residence at De. I know it was very challenging for Nick when his eyesight began to fail, along with his hearing, and he was feeling more and more isolated, because of an in ability to follow conversations and to do so many of the things he loved.
Given Nick’s unassuming personality and demeanor, it’s almost hard to believe that he had such a varied and fascinating tour of duty. Besides Nicaragua, Stevens Point, and Minneapolis, Nick’s commitments as a Brother led him to Escanaba, Michigan, Nairobi, Kenya, and Sangre de Cristo, New Mexico. Wherever he went, his practical skills coupled with training in spiritual direction and a natural penchant for service made him a truly well-rounded Brother. For a few years when De La Salle Blackfeet School in Browning was building a new bunkhouse for immersion groups out at the mission, Nick would go out for several months to help with construction and electrical projects. However, as the winter weather in Montana grew harsh, where would Nick go to escape? Why, back to tropical Minnesota, of course!
A line from the first reading this morning from the Book of Wisdom states that “in the time of their visitation they will shine forth, and will run like sparks through the stubble.” Now while I never actually saw Nick run, I have seen him stride very vigorously across the Hennepin Avenue Bridge through downtown Minneapolis to attend morning mass at St. Olaf. Clearly, there was a spark ort wo that motivated him to move so briskly. Only in these last couple years have friends from St. Olaf stopped by to give him a ride out of concern for his safety.
Little known to many perhaps is another talent Nick had: he loved to sing. And while he attended daily mass at St. Olaf, each Sunday he sang in the choir at Our Lady of Lourdes, a church near DeLaSalle.
Nick, of course, leaves behind a loving family, including his younger brother who is also a Christian Brother, Brother Richard Geimer. Rich shared with me a few interesting details about his older brother: while the Geimer Brothers never lived in the same apostolic community, they did make the 100-Day Retreat at Sangre de Cristo together; they also traveled together to both Alaska and Australia. And many years ago, upon completion of his 30-day retreat at Beaver Island, Michigan, where he made his final vows, Nick immediately flew to Glencoe, Missouri, to serve as sponsor for his younger brother Rich, who was entering the Novitiate. One more interesting detail from Rich: because Nick was left-handed, he was able to demonstrate woodworking techniques from the front of the classroom and his fortunate students would be looking at a mirror image! It’s almost as if God confirmed his practical nature.
At times, Nick found it hard to make big decisions; we discerned together over the course of a few years his eventual move to Chicago. When the room opened at St. Paul’s House a few months ago, Nick knew it was finally time, and we’re grateful to his niece Debbie for helping him relocate back to his hometown after all these years. Alas, it would not be for long.
On Christmas Day, Brother Bede and I drove to St. Paul’s to join Nick and the other Brothers there for Christmas dinner. I had the privilege of sitting next to Nick, so we had a good chance to chat and converse during dinner. We then asked one of the staff take a photo of the group, and I’m so glad we did. It would be hard to find a photo that better captures the essential Nick: he’s wearing that beautiful vest that he wove, and he displays that characteristic, slightly impish grin that is so endearing. And of course, that glint and sparkle in his eye.
As we left the table and walked toward the elevator, I noticed that Nick had to stop once to sit down and catch his breath. Little did I realize that this was an omen, and that only three days later, I would receive word that Nick had passed away. He almost made it to 90, although he certainly didn’t look it. Despite his slowing down these last months, I will always recall him with that youthful energetic stride. He was a man with a purpose---and that usually involved a project to help others!
Back to that opening quote by Francis De Sales: Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothings o gentle as real strength. How sad that our noisy combative world has lost a truly gentle man who possessed such an obvious inner strength and faith. Fortunately, because of his recycling so many pieces of discarded wood, he has also left us a lovely legacy of art and craft, done with such loving attention to detail.
Oh Nick, we will miss you, but what a journey you have had in your 71 years as a Brother! Thank you for saying “yes” so often and for inspiring all of us to what seems to have come so naturally to you: to be gentle and kind, with a smile and good word for all.