07/05/2023
John G. Geyer
Johann Georg Geyer, better known as John G. Geyer, was born June 22, 1845 (references for his year of birth vary) in Ismannsdorf, Bavaria and was trained as a miller before coming to America. He joined his brother, Johann Michael, who had arrived in Frankenmuth 1853. These were the original Geyer Bros. of Geyers' Cass River Brewery. While Johann Michael returned to farming, John G. decided to continue to operate the brewery.
He married Maria Barbara Roedel on August 30, 1874 at St. Lorenz Church. John G. and Barbara had six children: Mrs. Gertrud Weber, Mrs. Katharine Rutkowsky, John L., Fred, Ernst and Mrs. Helen Gugel.
The 1908 Frankenmuth News reported, "John G. Geyer has moved into his new home on Church street and his sons John and Fred, are taking over the brewing business from which he has retired. Some time after 1908, the "Cass River" was dropped for the Geyer Bros. Brewing Company name. Mr. Geyer died July 3, 1915 (In the image, above, the photographer signed his work "C E White 1915").
John's obituary was reported in the July 8, 1915 Frankenmuth News,
"John G. Geyer, one of our old and foremost citizens, passed away Saturday, aged [70] years, after a short illness from dropsy. Mr. Geyer was born in Bavaria, Germany in 1845 and came to this country in 1869 and started a brewery in 1874, which he operated until a few years ago when he retired, his sons continuing the business. He married Miss Mary B. Roedel, who survives him, besides one brother
Michael [illegible] of Saginaw, three sons and three daughters: John L., Fred, Ernest, and Helen at home, Mrs. Rutkowsky of Beaver, and Mrs. Fred Weber of Frankenmuth.
The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon from the home at 1:30 ... at St. Lorenz church at 2:00 Revs. Mayer and Voss officiating, with internment in the church cemetery. The pallbearers were Martin ischer, Wm. Deuring, Adam Meyer, Fred Gugel, J. C. M. List and Clint Nuechterlein."
