Just as the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” showed how George Bailey impacted life in Bedford Falls, Al Geis has helped advance Batesville.

He was a charter member and first president of the Kiwanis Club of Batesville. Without that club, there would be no huge youth soccer movement or AppleFest or Kiwanis Student Leadership Academy. Geis also was a charter board member of Golden Villa, government-subsidized senior citizens’ housing in downtown Batesville, and still serves as its vice president. Wife Rosalie pointed out that complex has “changed the lives of many people.”

For all of his volunteering efforts, Geis is the 22nd recipient of the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award.

“He's certainly made Batesville a better place to live,” observed Ham Struewing, who with Jerry Brelage introduced their longtime friend.

“What really makes Al different from the rest of us?” Brelage asked the crowd, then announced it was his honesty and integrity. He also marveled at the 72-year-old’s listening skills. “He doesn't talk a lot. He'll sit back in meetings ... he listens to a variety of ideas .... When he talks, you listen to him, because he's going to say something worthwhile.”

His wife noted Geis has made a lot of friendships through his 48-year-old business, Geis Electronics and Appliances. “People come in with ... this problem or that problem,” not always technical in nature. “He helps with any of their problems. He’s a good man to talk to.”

When asked why Geis has always been so interested in community service, the kind man laughed and said he’s wondered the same thing. “It may have been because of my down-home upbringing” by his late parents, Lawrence and Rose Geis, on an Enochsburg farm. Perhaps John A. Hillenbrand, whose summer camp was nearby, also served as a model. “John A. was a person who was really good to his neighbors,” he explained in his acceptance speech.

The leader was past president of the chamber and its Retail Division and the former Batesville Promotional Association.

The staunch Catholic called St. Louis “the parish that I love” and ended his speech by saying, “Above all, I want to thank God for the abilities he gave me.” The church lector, eucharistic minister and greeter also has been a past parish council president, deanery secretary and mission team member.

His most challenging volunteer effort was as Kiwanis of Indiana Farmland Division lieutenant governor. “We had to visit 14 other clubs and be directly involved with them to help the clubs to their greatest potential.”

The former 10-year 4-H member, Jaycee, Batesville Water & Gas Utility board member, Batesville Junior Achievement board member, Batesville Youth Basketball coach and Oldenburg Academy basketball junior varsity coach is still a member of the Batesville Area Historical Society, Knights of St. John and Rural Alliance for the Arts. His most recent task was serving many hours on the Batesville Community School Corp. Facilities Study Planning Committee.

The humanitarian has allowed his love of singing to bring smiles to others as a 27-year member of the Tri-County Harmonizers (which has evolved into the smaller Braunschweigers group). Just three years ago, he joined the church choir.

The 1955 New Point High School graduate worked his way up to sergeant during six years of National Guard service. Geis also helped his dad farm and worked at Stewart Hybrid Seeds, Greensburg, before launching his store, where he still works part time after selling the business to son Chris.

Al and Rosalie Geis adopted four children: Chris Geis and Kathy Gutzwiller, Batesville; Karen Bauer, Cincinnati; and Tom Geis, Greensburg. They also enjoy 17 grandchildren and are looking forward to their 50th anniversary April 23.

Struewing teased, “Even after all I've said about him, he's not perfect. Let me tell you why.” As the attendees laughed, his friend recalled “errant” golf shots. Brelage continued the kidding. “We play for hot dogs. When Al loses a hot dog, he gets upset.”

A week ago, when the Geises were volunteering at the BAHS museum, Al studied photos of past city leaders. “It gave me a great feeling. These are people who helped start Batesville and made it what it is.”

Now his name can be added to that list.