Harold James Geistweidt was born February 14, 1934 in Fredericksburg, Texas to Ryland and Margaret Geistweidt. He lived in the Hilda Community all his life. He passed away on Saturday, March 12, 2016 in Brady, Texas.

Harold was baptized at Hilda Lutheran Church in 1934 and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mason on July 25, 1948. He went to Hilda school through grammar schooling and then continued at Mason High School graduating from Mason in 1951. Harold then went to Tarleton State College (now University) for one year. He served in the Fredericksburg National Guard unit for 8 years and obtained the rank of supply sergeant.

When Harold was 17 years old he Met Geraldine Johnson after a basketball game at Cranfills Gap. They fell in love and were married on February 20, 1953 in St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Cranfills Gap, Texas.

Harold and Geraldine were married for 62 years and raised their family of four at their home in Hilda. Harold and Geraldine drove the Hilda school bus route for 32 years together. He was also owner of Mason Welding and Supply for 40 years. That was his pride and joy. Harold and Geraldine also helped with the funeral pall at St. Paul Lutheran Church for 10 years. He and his family also did ranch work on their ranch until he got sick.

He loved his family and many friends and their home was always filled friends and family. On June 14, 2009 the family received the Family Land Heritage award for 150 years of ranching on the same property.

Harold is survived by his wife Geraldine Geistweidt, of Hilda, a sister Margarine Beaman of Austin, four children Larry Geistweidt and wife Juanita of Fort Worth, Terry Geistweidt of Mason, Janet Geistweidt Moran and husband Dan of Brady and Sharon Geistweidt of Atlanta, Georgia, eight grandchildren: Jeremy Geistweidt and wife Bonnie, Amber Geistweidt Arnal and husband Albert, Mandy Loe and husband Brady, Crystal Sembritzky and husband Michael, Ginger Smith and husband Trey, Jennifer Moran, Brandi Bushee and husband Shawn and Caleb Meyer and ten great-grandchildren: Brayden Geistweidt, Addison Geistweidt, Owen Arnal, Trever Smith, Conner Smith, Sutton Smith, Jordan Sembritzky Anson Sembritzky, Dalton Sembritzky and Kale Jones. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Neet Bushee and husband Roger and Linda Mae young as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation with the family will be Tuesday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at Mason Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 16, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Scott Hofmann leading the service. Interment will follow at the Hilda Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Ronny Arnold, Tony Rojas, David Gordon, Jeremy Geistweidt, Tanner Geistweidt, Tom Doell, Jerald Klett, John Brandenberger, Shawn Bushee and Gerald Fritz. Honorary pallbearers are Harvey Zesch, Stanley Toeppich, Dan Moran, Troy Smith, Michael Sembritzky, Albert Arnal, Elrado and Maria Martinez, Bob Vacek, Robert and Alice Hoskins, Susan Doell, Brady Loe, Anna Velez, Bob Chapman, Carol Chapman, Karen Scantlin, Del Roy and Lynn Reichenau, Bobby Capps, Guy and Geneva Finstad, Terry and Helen Hyles and Lisa Goehmann.