Geza Kogler Obituary

11/171931 – 04/16/2025  Age 93

Loving husband of Pamela Evelyn, dear father of Geza Frank (Pam), Jayna (Paul), Bela (Stacey), Stefan (Jenny) and Zsuzsi (Mike), grandfather of Geza Frank II, Zsanielle, Tyffany, Heather, Samantha, Jed, Wade, Brogan, Tegan, Flynn, Cody, Drew, Kelli Rose & Sami Jo and great grandfather of Tristen, Tucker, Felix, Myles, Rowan, Henry, Hector, Dean, Lev, Mila and Charlie. Brother of Aladar, Ladislav, and the late Zoltan. Cherished son of the late Geza and Cecilia.

A life well-lived.

Born in Tornalja, Czechoslovakia November 17, 1931, Geza lived with his parents and siblings. During his childhood, he witnessed the best and worst the world had to offer. As the child of landowners, he enjoyed his lovely home, his siblings, pets, the family mill, and beautiful surrounding areas. Hungary would soon experience the economic impacts of the Great Depression, land seizures, and eventually World War II. In 1956, the Hungarian Revolution was suppressed by Communist rule and Geza made a daring escape to America. Once in the U.S. safely, he quickly joined the United States Army to fight for freedom, where he served proudly and mastered the English language.

Geza's artistic talents and appreciation for how things work led to a successful, lengthy career in mechanical engineering with the Ford Motor Company. Eventually he became a Division Process Engineer for Interior Systems. Geza, ever the gentleman, opened the Ford headquarters door for a young secretary who had recently accompanied her British parents to the U.S. Pamela Evelyn – the love of his life - became his wife and constant companion - to his final earthly moments. God blessed the young couple with a houseful of children, totaling five. Geza, always proud of his Hungarian roots, offered the boys opportunity through competitive European fencing and the girls, cultural dance including debutante balls.

Geza built the family home with custom architecture merging the family trees of Hungarian and British heritage, one room a Public House of Tudor décor, while another featured walls of colorful graphic Budapest art. He even lent his talents to Wayne State University, where the boys fenced – by designing and hand-painting the Hungarian Heritage Room – which stands in full glory, today. He was the patriarch of a welcoming home which was often the destination for Chicken Paprikas, Hungarian Goulash, cucumber salad – and wine. He leaves behind cherished comforting recipes and memories that will live on growing even finer with age.

Geza said what he meant and meant what he said, often striking simultaneous shock, awe, fear, and appreciation in those around him. He was unapologetic about his love of the United States, equally unapologetic about his strong moral code. He respected and honored a multi-generational life. He welcomed his own Mother Cecilia and his Mother-in-law Alice at separate times, to live under his roof. A faithful Catholic, he supported Holy Cross Hungarian Church and many of his children themselves chose to marry and attend holy day masses there.

An avid traveler, Geza fulfilled a lifelong dream by visiting The Great Wall of China. But nothing brought him more joy than annual family camping trips to Myrtle Beach. Geza's children and grandchildren inherited his love of the great outdoors. They will continue to honor his passion, by making happy camping memories for years to come.

We could not leave off a vice or two. Geza and Pam became regular visitors to casinos across the U.S. in later years savoring the thrill of luck & chance. At one point the basement was alive with slot machines which were constantly humming. To those who will appreciate this Easter egg, "LL forever."

The loss of Geza is deep and everlasting. May his soul find eternal rest until we are all reunited with him again.

Both visitation and funeral mass for Geza will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: Heartland Hospice of Ann Arbor, 1300 Eisenhower, Ste. 1390, Ann Arbor, MI 48108.