Prof. Geitz

FITCHBURG-Professor Henry (Hank) Geitz died at home surrounded by family on October 27, 2012. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 18, 1931 to Henry and Elizabeth Geitz (nee Hettel). He lived a rich life with residence in Philadelphia; Lincoln, Nebraska; Fitchburg Massachusetts; as well as Fitchburg, Wisconsin, and in Europe, in Germany and Hungary. Hank received his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1952 and his M.A. from the University of Nebraska in 1954. He was a member of the U.S. Army from 1954-1956. After earning his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin in 1961, Hank moved to Virginia and was Assistant Professor of German Literature at University of Richmond. He came back to Wisconsin and was Assistant and then Associate Professor of German Literature from 1962-1972, Professor of German Literature from 1972-1996, Associate Director of Academic Programs abroad from 1983-1989, and Director of the Max Kade Institute for German-American Studies from 1990-1997, all at the University of Wisconsin. He was the recipient of several honors and awards including Wisconsin's Outstanding German Educator Award, Medal of the University of Freiburg, and the Verdienstkreuz am Bande des Verdienstrodens der Bundesrepublik, awarded by the President of Germany. Hank wrote and gave numerous papers and presentations and acting as general editor he published more than half a dozen volumes. Hank was a member of the Masonic Temple for many years, and remained involved with the Max Kade Institute after retiring. Always with a smile and a story to share, Hank maintained many good friendships with people he knew and met in life and on his journeys ranging quite literally from paupers to princesses. His passions included wine making, creating stained glass pieces, reading, and traveling. He is survived by his children, Stephen of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin and Renate Vetrano of Cambria, Wisconsin; 8 grandchildren; and 1 great-granddaughter. Hank was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 57 years, Ann; and his grandson, Daniel (Danny) Vetrano. A Memorial Service will be held at the Cress Funeral Home 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, Wisconsin 53705 on Friday, November 9 at 11:00 am. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, gifts be made in Hank's name to The Friends of the Max Kade Institute: Friends of MKI 901 University Bay Drive Madison, WI 53705