Donavon Dean Geiken

Donavon Dean Geiken, 82, of Marshalltown, Iowa, returned to the arms of his Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 25, 2024. He passed away peacefully at The Willows of Marshalltown.

Services for Donavon will take place on Sunday, July 28 at 2:00 P.M. at Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown with Pastor Matt Johnson officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior beginning at 1:00 P.M. He will be laid to rest at Rose Hill Cemetery in Grundy Center. Memorials may be directed to the family. For additional questions or condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Donavon was born April 11, 1942 in Grundy County, the son of Henry and Frances (Muhler) Geiken. He attended country schools near Ackley before moving to Wellsburg, where he graduated from high school in 1960.

He was united in marriage to Margaret Walbaum and the couple made their home at Marshalltown, where they raised their three children. Donavon dedicated over 40 years to Fisher Controls before his retirement.

Faith was an integral part of his life from a young age, beginning at his baptism on October 7, 1945 by Rev. Henry Poppens at Washington Reformed Church near Ackley. Later he made a confession of faith and became a member of the Wellsburg Reformed Church on February 5, 1956. Donavon and Margaret were active members of Calvary Baptist Church in Marshalltown, where he served as an usher and member of the church board. He was a true servant of the Lord and made sure to pass on that faith, leading his family through prayer with each meal they shared together.

In addition to his love of God, Donavon loved his family with all of his heart. He always supported everyone and taught them many useful skills. He was an amazing dad and most of all, loved being a grandpa. Donavon was a pillar of his family, always steady and strong. He will be fondly remembered for his belly laugh, humor and quick-wit. He also enjoyed the outdoors, especially camping and his fishing trips to Canada with the guys. He always kept his 2 ½ acre lawn nicely mowed and always had to have a new car. He loved his Plymouth and his father’s Farm-All Tractor, which he passed down to his grandson who shared his love of Farm-All. Donovan made sure to read his newspaper and take a nap every day. He was also a gifted carpenter, making many cabinets, shelves and cupboards over the years.

One of the finest ways one can be remembered are by memories precious to us. His granddaughter, Becca, remembered grandpa always saying yes- to staying overnight to ice cream at Dairy Queen, 4-wheeler rides and trips to the Animal Rescue League. He exemplified the verse of “One Who Has Knowledge”- being even tempered at all times. Becca and all Donavons family know Don enriched many other’s lives. Proverbs 17:28 is an example of Don’s character. Son Terry holds fishing trips near to his heart with his dad and appreciated everything he did for him. He simply was the best dad ever.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 61 years, Margaret Geiken; his children: DeAnn (Jim) Bennien of Baxter, Terry (Roxanne) Geiken of Lake Alfred, FL and Lori (Steve) Jones of Marshalltown; seven grandchildren: Ryan (Ashlie) Bennien, Austin Bennien, Rebecka (Jake) Leverich, Trent Geiken, Elisabeth (Tyler) Beeghley, Stephanie (Isaac) Sloan and Dale Jones; four great-grandchildren: Autumn, Bailie, Brooks and Graham; siblings: Daryl (Linda) Geiken of Conrad, Sherilyn Geiken of Ackley and Gaylen (Judy) Geiken of Ackley; brother-in-law Kempton (LaVonne) Walbaum of Marshalltown and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In eternal life, Donavon is reunited with his daughter Ruth, his parents and his in-laws.