Arnold “Arnie” L. Geier, 79, of Sparta died Sunday, March 30, 2008 at Franciscan Skemp Healthcare, Sparta. He was born on January 3, 1929 in the rural Cashton area to Basilius and Frances (Rondorf) Geier. He married the former Mary Ann Dougherty on June 24, 1953 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Wilton, WI.

     Arnie owned and operated the Gambles Hardware Store in Sparta for 34 years. After closing the store in 1986 he worked at Sparta Motors and served as a bailiff at the Monroe County Courthouse.

     Arnie was a member of the Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce and had served as their President; member of the Knights of Columbus, and a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta where he had served as head usher.

     He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann of Sparta; four sons, Paul (Julie) Geier of Sparta, Steven (Lisa) Geier of La Crosse, Donald Geier of Sparta, and Joseph (Kristin) Geier of Sparta; a daughter, Betty (Richard) Schwarz of Sun Prairie, WI; grandchildren, Jennifer Schwarz, Dayne, Garrett, Rachel, and Grant Geier; a brother, Larry (Myrtle) Geier of Tomah; four sisters, Helen (Evan) Summerfield of Wilton, Connie (Carl) Lewis of Slayton, TX, Berdella (Jerry) Butzler of Sparta, and Marlene (Larry) Peth of Tomah; three sister-in-laws, Bonnie Geier of Sparta, Karen Geier of Wilton, and Bertha Geier of Sparta; and many loving nieces, and nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Isidore, George, Omer, and Wilbert Geier; three sisters, Adeline Donskey, Irma Von Ruden, and Annabelle Von Ruden.

     Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta, with Father James Leary O.F.M. Cap. officiating. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery.

     Friends may call at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta, on Tuesday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services. There will be a Rosary Service at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

     Memorials may be given to St. Patrick’s Catholic School Building Fund.