NSBA is saddened to report the loss of NSBA Past President Joe Geeslin, of Westfield, Indiana, who passed away on Wednesday, June 5, while in hospice care. 

Joe served as NSBA president from 1990 to 1992. During his tenure, Debbie Popp became NSBA’s first executive director, and NSBA first presented its rules for judging Western Pleasure to the Color Breed Council Judge’s Seminar.

Joe offered space in his law office to NSBA when the office relocated from Atlanta to Indianapolis, and his staff often helped process NSBA shows. He also helped develop the board of directors concept which represents multiple disciplines and geographic regions. He received the Jack Benson Award in 2013.


“Joe provided enthusiasm, dedication and direction at a time when NSBA’s future was uncertain. While the very nature of the president’s position requires an overwhelming amount of time and talent, Joe provided NSBA with a critical contribution - continuance,” noted The Way To Go when Joe was inducted into the NSBA Hall Of Fame in 1992.

NSBA extends its sympathy to his wife, Liz, and Joe’s extended family and friends. NSBA will share arrangement details once they have been completed.

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