Borussia Dortmund is mourning the passing of Lothar Geisler, who has died at the age of 82 as a result of serious illness. The native Westphalian, born in Dortmund on 8 December 1936, was an understated figure at the club during one of its most famous eras. The passionate angler, who lived with his wife Helma in their home in the Wickede area of Dortmund, was never the type to seek the spotlight. 

Geisler first learnt how to play football during his time spent as the goalkeeper of the youth B team of VfL Kemminghausen from 1948 to 1950. He then moved to TuS Eving-Lindenhorst, where he also played in the youth sides before his promotion to the first team. His strong performances in the sweeper role made him a vital component of the Green & Whites' side at the time. 

His talent did not go unnoticed, and in 1957 he was recruited by VfL Bochum, for whom he contested a total of 52 matches in the Oberliga West division. His no-nonsense style of play soon put him on the radar of Borussia Dortmund, who duly signed him in 1959. His move to Borsigplatz would lead to the most successful period of his career. From 1959 to 1967, he made 117 league appearances for the Black & Yellows while also starring in various domestic and European cup campaigns. A runners-up finish in the German championship in 1961 (losing 3-0 to FC Nürnberg in the final) and an appearance in the final of the DFB Cup (losing 3-0 to Hamburger SV) were highlights of his time at the club, but what will live longest in the memory is the German championship victory in 1963 (winning 3-1 in the final against 1. FC Köln) as well as the appearances in classic European Cup matches against Benfica (5-0), Dukla Prague (4-0) and both legs of the 1964 semi-final against eventual winners Inter Milan. 

Geisler, who latterly played left-back, was part of the squad that won the DFB Cup in 1965 and the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1966, but he ultimately made no appearances in either competition. After calling time on his playing career, Geisler worked as a coach for various clubs in the region and was a member of the BVB legends team for almost 40 years. The down-to-earth Borussia man, whose sense of humanity made him a well-liked figure wherever he went, will be fondly remember by all those at the club. Lothar Geisler leaves behind his wife Helma as well as his children Dirk and Simone and beloved granddaughters Nina and Lara.