Eldon Emerson Geist

In Loving Memory of Eldon Emerson Geist
September 13, 1932  ~  December 10, 2023

Eldon was born on September 13, 1932, the second of four sons to Eileen (Vandenberg) and George Geist from Denver, Colorado. As a young boy, he started selling newspapers on the street corner and worked at a local jewelry store. That early hard work and determination helped him save enough money to buy his first car before he had even turned 16. A first-generation American, Eldon had tremendous drive and commitment to sacrificially provide and care for his loved ones during all his 91 years.

Eldon enlisted in the U.S. Army on December 29, 1951. He had opportunities to see Hawaii and other parts of the world and enjoyed serving his country, all of which provided him with fond lifelong memories. Eldon trained as a rifleman in the 16th Company Infantry Division of the U.S. Army and served as the Company Commander’s Chief Driver in his family’s homeland, Germany, during the time of the Korean War. (Eldon’s father George Geist was a Volga German from Walter, Russia that traveled to the USA through Ellis Island.)

Eldon attended West High School in Denver, completing his education upon returning from the Army, where he met and married his first wife in 1954. They had two daughters: Vickie (Dewayne Blanscet) and Valerie (Theodore Smith). In 1961, Eldon met Janice Colleen Borgstahl from Iowa at a local Lutheran Church singles group, and they were married on September 10. They bought a new house in Lakewood, Colorado, which became their home where they raised their four children: Cindy (Bill Rockwood), Andy Geist (Carin), and the twins - Susan Geist and Juli Nieto. Eldon and Jan celebrated more than 58 years of marriage.

Eldon’s interests were classic automobiles, car races, and a love of airplanes and flying with his son. He enjoyed these hobbies with his children visiting many air shows, the Indianapolis 500, several NASCAR races, and numerous vacations and cruises with loved ones domestically and abroad. Eldon could fix almost anything he touched, was generous with his time and talents, and loved telling his life stories to all.

He was committed to serving his family and community. After retiring at the age of 60, with more than 40 years of service at the Denver Rio Grande Railroad and The Denver Post, he supported residents of Lakewood as a volunteer transportation provider for the American Red Cross for 20 years.

Family was always Eldon’s greatest sense of pride and accomplishment. Holidays and birthdays were important celebrations when Eldon and Janice honored those whom he so dearly loved, always finding room for Eldon’s favorite course at any meal…dessert.

Eldon was preceded in death by his wife, Janice on November 11, 2019, and eldest brother Donald in April 2020. He is survived by his two younger brothers, Bill, and Gary Geist, his 6 children, 14 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren: Alicia (Casey Saunders, Corey and Riley); Taylor Blanscet; Angela and Matthew Smith; Keith (Andrea Rockwood, Tobin and Jonas); Nathan Rockwood; Anna and Christian Geist; Caitlin and Lauren English; Dylan, James (Karly Nieto, Harper), Kayelynn, and Jessica Nieto.

Eldon and Janice were charter members of Concordia Lutheran Church in Lakewood. Eldon looked forward to his reunion with Jan and meeting his Lord and Savior.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to Concordia Lutheran Church, 13371 West Alameda Parkway, Lakewood, CO 80228: www.clcgrace.org.

“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.”  ~John 5:24