Jeff Geiger, a longtime employee of Charlie's Chicago and the face of drag persona Minerva Rex, died June 4 of a heart attack. He was 48.
"He was an amazing person," remembered longtime friend David Krumweide. "He was always jovial, always fun."
Geiger raised thousands of dollars for local organizations like Vital Bridges and Autism Speaks by performing as Minerva Rex at benefits, and he used his drag talents almost solely for charitable causes.
Geiger was born Dec. 1, 1963, in Appleton, Wis. He served in the U.S. Army and was released with an honorable discharge. He became estranged from his family after he came out as gay, but he relocated to Chicago in the early '80s where he eventually found a close chosen family at Charlie's.
Geiger made his living working at Charlie's for 15 years, and he also worked part-time with Krumweide at Advance Event Group.
He held the 1997 and 2000 titles of Miss Illinois Gay Rodeo Association and the 2007 title of Mr. Illinois Gay Rodeo Association. In 2010, he served as the grand marshal for the Windy City Rodeo. He also donated his time and talents to fundraising for the Illinois Gay Rodeo Association.
Geiger had a way with making those around him feel welcome, said Krumweide. He hosted Thanksgiving dinners for community members who chose not to go home for the holiday, and his buoyant nature rubbed off on out-of-town visitors to Charlie's.
But many simply knew Geiger for his performances as Minerva Rex or as drag persona Malva Jean Casteberry. Krumweide describes Rex as "one wild and crazy girl," who worked tirelessly for charitable causes and even sat fully costumed in a dunk tank to raise funds.
Geiger had been suffering from an extended illness and had taken a leave of absence from work, but he remained a part of the Charlie's family until his passing said Krumweide.
"He enjoyed life very much, and he had a good ride," Krumweide said.
Friends are planning a memorial party for Geiger, the details of which have yet to be announced.