An Owensville man known for delivering get-well cards — signed by hundreds sometimes — to area residents, or repairing salvaged bicycles then giving them to children in need, is the beneficiary this week of support following a fire which destroyed his home on the city’s north side.

Ron Geisler was home at the time fire broke out in his East Plum Avenue home but was not injured. His one-story wood-frame home was heavily damaged and his belongings ruined by intense heat and smoke, according to Owensville City Marshal Robert Rickerd.

Geisler has temporary lodging lined up through local chiropractor, Dr. Roger Stewart. Rickerd said Stewart is letting Geisler stay in an apartment above his clinic following the fire which was reported at 9 a.m. Dec. 21.

Geisler’s efforts over many years to look out for his neighbors in their time of need is being paid back by the community. Rickerd said two local banks participating in a collection effort for Geisler already had deposits dropped in their overnight boxes when they opened on Monday.

Legends Bank and Regions Bank both have accounts set up in Geisler’s name for those wishing to contribute, said Rickerd.

Jessica Means, the police clerk for the Owensville department, helped set up the accounts first thing Monday morning, according to Rickerd.

There are also plans in the works to build Geisler a new “tiny house” on his own property. Rickerd said Stewart, along with several other business owners in the community, are spearheading an effort to raise enough money to build Geisler an approximately 850-square foot home on a  concrete pad.

“He said he would like to have a little house back on his property,” said Rickerd of a discussion he had Monday with Geisler. “So, we’re going to get that going early in the new year.”

Rickerd said he fielded “hundreds of phone calls over the weekend” from area residents inquiring how they could help. Geisler is known for his walks around town collecting signatures on “get well cards” he then delivers to those with extended illnesses. Those discarded bicycles from the city wide collections often end up being repaired by Geisler and given to children in need.

“Everybody’s really raring to go and get this done,” said Rickerd. “I know he’s always helping people out with lawn-mower parts and all that he does.”

Local business owners called Rickerd over the weekend asking how they could assist.

“He’s good to go for awhile,” said Rickerd about Geisler’s housing situation. “So we can focus on getting anyone interested in volunteering their time, services, or making a donation, together so we don’t have to rush it.”

Rickerd spoke with Geisler Monday morning and said he was in good spirits. “He seemed in good cheer,” Rickerd shared. “Good spirits. He knows everything will be okay.”

Paul Schmanke, a local attorney and former teacher and football coach at Owensville High School, pledged to match donations of $25 to $50 made Monday at Legends Bank up to $2,500 through his Schmanke Law Office, LLC.

Owensville’s Moose Lodge is also collecting donations on Geisler’s behalf.