The John F. and Mary A. Geisse Foundation was established in 1969 by John and Mary Geisse, and is funded exclusively by contributions from John and Mary Geisse.
 
John F. Geisse (1920-1992) was a pioneer in mass merchandising. After serving as a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy during WWll, he launched three successful retail chains. John cofounded Target Stores for the Dayton Company (now Target Corporation), founded Venture Stores for May Department Stores, and founded the Wholesale Club, Inc., which eventually merged with Sam’s Club (Wal-mart Stores, Inc.).  John and his wife Mary raised ten children.