Geilenfeld Funeral Home celebrated 100 years in Oelwein in October of 2001.  Henry and Albert Hintz started the Hintz Funeral Home and Furniture Store in the Hanson block of West Charles in 1901, coming from Albert Lea, MN to purchase a furniture and undertaking business.

In 1917, they constructed a new building on South Frederick where Winter Photography is now located.  Then in 1939 they bought the parsonage of Christ's Church on First Ave NE, where the funeral home is located today.

In 1950, the businesses separated with the furniture store owned and operated by Henry's son Harold Hintz moving to a new location.  The funeral business was purchased and operated by Henry's son, Carlyle Hintz and his son, Richard.  A new chapel was constructed on the site and the home remodeled.

Chuck Geilenfeld came from Algona to join Richard Hintz in 1975 and in 1986, the name was changed to Hintz-Geilenfeld Funeral Home.  Geilenfeld is a second generation funeral director, following in the footsteps of his father.  The funeral home became Geilenfeld Funeral Home in 1988.  In 1991, a new addition was built with a large chapel seating over 200 people.  A children's room is featured for visitations.  In 2009, a complete remodeling has been done.

Chuck and his wife Barb have been active in the community over the years, delivering Meals-On-Wheels, being in VFW, American Legion, Knights of Columbus and Sacred Heart Parish.  Chuck has also served on the city council for 12 years.  They have raised three children during their 34 years in Oelwein and are the proud grandparents of 8 grandchildren with the ninth coming in March.

There have been many changes over the years in the funeral business, but Chuck strives to emphasize the reverence, dignity and spiritual inspiration in relation to a person's death.