Bernard J. "Pete" Geels, age 83, of Bluffton, passed away Sunday, June 13, 2021, at Banner Boswell Medical Center in Sun City, Arizona, following an extended illness.

Pete was born in Bluffton on Oct. 3, 1937, to Cletus and Marie (Kelley) Geels, both parents preceded him in death. He married Linda L. (Gilliom) in Bluffton, IN. on Feb. 15, 1958, she survives in Bluffton, IN.

He was a 1955 graduate of Bluffton High School and served in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957. He was involved for 55 years in propane sales and distribution. Pete was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church and American Legion Post 111 in Bluffton. Pete enjoyed traveling and spending winters with his wife in Arizona.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son; Stephen (Nunzia) Geels of Virginia Beach, VA, and a daughter; Catherine Van Betuw of Sun City, AZ; a sister, Rose Ann Hinesley of Ossian and a brother, John (Karen) Geels of Ft. Wayne; three grandchildren, Sarah Van Betuw and Adam Van Betuw; five great grandchildren, Sadee Lemanski, Kaylee Van Betuw, Sianna Mason, Kadell Mason and Braelyn Van Betuw.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents; a son-in-law, Walter Van Betuw; a grandson, Bernard Geels; and a sister, Mary Alice Reuille.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, from 2:00 until 8:00 P.M., at Goodwin – Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel in Bluffton.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, June 23, at 11:00 AM, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.  Fr. David Violi will officiate the service.  Burial will follow at the Six Mile Cemetery in Bluffton.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christian Care Retirement Community.