Ardella Cecelia Marie ( Chevalier ) Geyer died August 26, 2026 at Cottagewood Senior Living Center in Rochester MN at the age of 95.

She was born at home on the family farm October 6th, 1930 in Clontarf, MN. A funny story: when she went to get a Passport in 1995, it didn’t arrive when the other family members did. Her birth certificate said October 7th and did not match the date on the form. Apparently the country doctor added the wrong date when he signed her certificate. So we always celebrated on both dates. She graduated from Hancock HS. Then graduated from the U of M, Morris Business College. She moved to Rochester in 1949. She worked at Mayo Clinic in the Blood Bank as a secretary and for 6 months in the Navy Dept of the Pentagon. She married James Holton Geyer on October 6, 1951. They met at the Playmor Ballroom. When Jim walked in, she said “I’m going to marry that guy”. 

She was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary, VFW and 40&8 and The Red Hat Society. She and Jim traveled with the Legion Boxcar all over the U.S. In 1966, she worked at IBM in the cafeteria until her retirement of 23 years. During that time she endured a tragic accident which resulted in the amputation of 2 fingers on her right hand. She went through 32 surgeries. After recovery, she continued to do everything she loved. She golfed until age 90, she typed, gardened. She said “ the only thing I can’t do is bowl anymore”. She loved dancing, flowers, traveling to many places in the world, playing games like dice, Spinners, Yahtzee and Words with Friends. She was lucky at gambling. She liked being outside and did a lot of camping over the years. She embraced each day with joy and she lived a long and colorful life. Nothing meant more to her than the love of her family. 

She is survived by 2 Daughters, Jane Jaeger (Dean), Janet Yngsdal (Steve), 4 sons, Steven Geyer (Reida Watson), Michael Geyer (Patty), James Geyer (Peg), Gregory Geyer (Lisa) 17 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, 2 great great granddaughters and one due in September. 

She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, James H Geyer, her mother, Ervila Chevalier, her father Louis Chevalier, a sister and 3 brothers. We wish to give a Heartfelt Thank you and love to the caring staff at Cottagewood and Mayo Hospice. She has earned her angel wings.

A Memorial services will be held on October 30, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation 1 hour prior to the service at River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home 1119 11 1/2 St SE Rochester, MN Burial will be at Oakhill Cemetery in Viola MN after the service. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Pax Cristi Catholic Church or charity of your choice.