John Geesler

Despite running less than half the miles he’d planned, John Geesler kept on going. He’d completed at least one lap every hour, something ultra-race veterans believed was impossible.

For Geesler, who’d been battling an illness for months, it was a testament to his resilience. He’d never stopped putting one foot in front of the other, no matter how tired or groggy he felt.

Early Life and Education

The early years of a child’s life are some of the most important in their development. Their brains develop rapidly during this time, establishing the foundations for their social skills, self-esteem, perception of the world and moral outlook.

Children need to learn a lot from their parents, but they also need active stimulation and interaction with other people. Early childhood education helps children get that stimulation, preparing them for their first classroom experiences and helping them build a strong foundation for future learning.

UNESCO believes that early childhood care and education is one of the best investments we can make as it promotes holistic development, gender equality and social cohesion. It can help prepare kids for school and life, and contribute to their healthy physical and mental health.

Professional Career

He was a design engineer at Maytag Corporation for over 39 years. John was a very active volunteer for many community and children’s organizations throughout the years.

He served as President of the Citizens Committee for Schools, Co-Chairman of Maytag Consolidated Fund (now the United Way), President and Chairman of the Newton Little League, a board member of the Noon Rotary Club of Newton, etc.

He was also a highly accomplished gynecologic oncologist with extensive experience in advanced radiation oncology techniques, including IMRT and stereotatic body radiotherapy. He is now a co-medical director of the Southern Crescent Radiation Oncology Center in Riverdale, Georgia.

Achievements and Honors

As a runner, he is regarded as one of the best in his age group. He has won many races including the 2003 Houston Ultras 48-Hour race and was named masters ultrarunner of the year in the 2003 Across the Years Six-Day Race.

He continues to run at a high level. He currently lives in St. Johnsville, NY and has a job at a textile mill.

He has completed a total of 24 Vermont 100 Mile finishes. This year he finished 70th in the 60-64 age group with a time of 3:28:33.

Personal Life

john geesler was a man who enjoyed life, despite the challenges it presented. He was a dedicated father to David (Maria), Gretchen, Kim, Gregory and Laura; and a loving grandfather to 16 beautiful grandchildren.

In his spare time, he was active in the community. He served as a board member for the St. Johnsville Library and town planning board.

He was also a member of the American Road Running Association. He was the three-time USA 24-Hour Run National Champion and has set the 48-hour American Road Record.