George Alva "Chip" Geerken, Jr.

George Alva “Chip” Geerken, Jr. died peacefully at home, on August 9, 2026, following a valiant battle with cancer. His devoted wife of 32 years, Petra Jones Geerken, was by his side, as she has been throughout their marriage. He was born on November 2, 1943, in New Orleans, and was a proud alumnus of Jesuit High School and LSU. He served in the Air Force for four years during the Vietnam War, where he learned to install, maintain, and monitor radar equipment. He continued to employ his radar skills for Avondale Shipyards, once his tour of duty had been completed. Chip was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Ellen Moragas Geerken and George Alva Geerken, Sr., as well as his sister, Pamela Jennifer Geerken Standish (Alan). He is survived by his loving sister, Patricia Geerken Bertucci (Kim), his sweet aunt, Vera Geerken Lyons, his children from a previous marriage, Shannon, Erin, and Geoffery, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and two grand-nieces. He is also survived by Petra’s siblings, June Jones Salomon (Lavalle) and ChristopherJones. Although Chip loved his native city, he also loved to travel, and lived for many years in Oregon, where he found employment with several landscapers and enjoyed working in restaurants there. He kept his love for cooking and eating good food once he returned to New Orleans and married Petra, herself an excellent cook. Together they made a cozy home where delicious meals were prepared and shared with family and friends. They were both avid gardeners, filling their house with lovely plants and flowers, inside and out. Chip also continued in the landscape business in New Orleans, working to create beautiful yards around the city, often with aquatic features. He worked hard to maintain these, providing calm oases for his many customers, who often became friends. Chip loved to read, to play poker with his card group, and to make music with his drum circle. He enjoyed watching Saints football games, as well as all LSU sports. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed a good joke, a funny anecdote, and the many stories told and retold as part of his family’s traditions. He loved his family, his friends, his city, and the home he made with his beloved wife, Petra. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the Foundation Center in Lafreniere Park, 3000 Downs Boulevard, Metairie, LA 70003. The formal service will begin promptly at 12:00 p.m., followed by an informal gathering ending at 2:00 p.m.. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.muhleisen.com.

George Alva "Chip" Geerken, Jr.

November 2, 1943 - August 9, 2026