Madaline Geiken

Madaline Bernice “Kneppe” Geiken, was born on October 24, 1922 in Parkersburg, Iowa. She was the daughter of Harm and Grace (Ibelings) Kneppe. She attended country school and after graduating high school in Parkersburg in 1939 she went to Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa, aka UNI.
Madaline was united in marriage to Willard Marvin Geiken in September 26, 1941 at the home of her parents. To this union there were four children, Dennis Lee, Larry Dean, Roger Leo and Brenda Marlene. Madaline taught country school for four years until Willard returned from the war. She worked by his side at a farm west of Parkersburg and then in 1958 they farmed north of Austinville, Iowa. After Willard passed away in 1979, she stayed on the farm until she moved to Parkersburg in 1986. After the 2008 tornado destroyed her home, Madaline went to the Aplington Assisted Living Apartments until she was 96.
Madaline was a member of the Christian Reformed Church, in Austinville and Parkersburg. She taught Sunday school, Bible School, Catechism, neighborhood Bible Studies and was active in the Ladies Aide Society and Sunshine Circle.The Bible was her go to book, always loving the word of God. She was a leader in “Get Off Your Rocker” a physical fitness group for retirees. She knew both were needed for mind, body and spiritual building.
Madaline and Willard enjoyed snow birding to Arizona for several years and after he died she went with her sister, Angeline for the winter months. On the farm she raised a huge garden and canned and preserved, but a good portion was also given away. She was an excellent cook, but baking was her specialty. The “Geiken Famous Rhubarb Cream Pie” was always a crowd pleaser. She loved her family and was always there for a game of fun and laughter, whether it was a game of cards, board game or kick ball. Madaline was very competitive with cards and with a wink n glint in her eye she clued her partner….let’s go we got them!
Her grandchildren visits were always received with open arms. They were her delight and she was very proud of each of them. Madaline had a very well lived life of 99 years. She will be deeply missed, but we rejoice in the knowledge of her reuniting with all those that greeted her at heaven’s gate as we know she was heaven bound.
Madaline passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 20, 2021, from natural causes at Grand JiVante’ nursing facility in Ackley, Iowa.
Madaline is survived by her three sons, Dennis (Velda) Geiken of Aplington, Iowa; Larry Geiken of Paradise Valley, Arizona; Roger (Cheryl) Geiken of Davenport, Iowa; one daughter, Brenda Getting of Grundy Center, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Denise (Edward) Treadwell of Overland Park, Kansas, Chad Geiken of Dallas, Texas, Jason Geiken of Gatesville, Texas, Nichole (Wesley) Meade of Martinsville, Indiana, Brittany Geiken of Ames, Iowa, Courtney Geiken of Ankeny, Iowa, Derek Geiken of Aiken, South Caroline; seven step-grandchildren, Sonny Thurman ( Fiancé’ Makenzie Gossage) of Scottsdale, Arizona, Laura (Don) Anderson of Coal Valley, Illinois, Wendy (Todd) Shiflet of Muscatine, Iowa, Jason Dyer of Nashville, Tennessee, Lisa (Joe) Weyhmiller of Franklinville, New Jersey; six great-grandchildren; nine step-great grandchildren; one sister, Katherine (Kate) Humphrey; one sister-in-law, Joy Kneppe both of Parkersburg, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.
She joins her heavenly family which includes her parents; her husband; her grandson Andrew Geiken; son-in-law, Jim Getting; her brothers Aldrick Kneppe and Harvey Kneppe; sister Angeline Wallerstein Christians. Brother-in-laws, Harm Wallerstein, Dick Christians and Miles Humphrey; sisters-in-laws, Augusta (Gussie) Kneppe and Margaret Kneppe; Her in laws, Geike and Alma (Deters) Geiken, Gladys and Echo Mennen, Lucille and Bernard Bollender, Marlys and Ray Damge and many longtime and much loved friends.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at the Christian Reformed Church in Parkersburg, with Pastor Russell Boersma officiating. Organist was Angie Meester and she accompanied the congregation as they sang “I’d Rather Have Jesus”. Marcia Allspach and Janet Johnson sang “I Stand Amazed” and “One Day At a Time”. The burial was held at Oakhill Cemetery in Parkersburg with Jason Geiken, Derek Geiken, Gerald Haan, Irvin Haan and Wesley Meade serving as Casketbearers.
Visitation was held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the church. Memorials may be directed to the family. Redman Funeral & Cremation Services in Parkersburg was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com