Obituary of Raymond Leander Geistkemper

Raymond L. Geistkemper, 89, of Dyersville, Iowa died Sunday, June 15, 2014, at his home. Friends may call from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville where a Vigil Service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 20, 2014, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in SS Peter & Paul Cemetery, Petersburg, Iowa. Rev. Noah Diehm will officiate. Ray was born January 5, 1925, in Petersburg, the son of Hubert and Rose (Kramer) Geistkemper. He married the love of his life, Mildred E. Sellner on June 4, 1946, in Earlville, Iowa. Together they farmed for 30 years near Earlville and Petersburg. Toward the end of his farming career he began driving school bus for Western Dubuque School System, an occupation he continued for two generations of students over the course of 34 years. Ray loved to watch sports and his bus driving allowed him to watch many Beckman sporting events in which his grandchildren participated. Baseball was his favorite sport and he was an avid fan. He never gave up on the Chicago Cubs. Survivors include his 5 children: Patricia (Jim) Bonert, Lois (Steve) Mescher, both of Dyersville, Mary Lou (Harry) White of Worthington, Randy (Meg) Geistkemper of Petersburg and Mark (Lori) Geistkemper of Dyersville; 19 grandchildren, Shellie Olberding, Brian, Dan and Tim Bonert, Rhonda, Scot and Jayme Mescher, Renee Heery, Jason, Wendy and Matt White, Jenny Winsand, Laura Herbers, Jeff and Greg Geistkemper, Jill Grawe, Liz Benyo, Tony Geistkemper and Tricia Dreiling; 24 great-grandchildren, and one more due in August; siblings: Ethel Pins, Dorothy (Harold) Lake, Alfred (Verna) Geistkemper, Joan Ament and Dan (Sandy) Geistkemper; his step-mother, Dolores Deutmeyer; in-laws: Germaine Goedken, Delores (Jim) Burkle, Irvin (Donna) Sellner, Don (Bonnie) Sellner, John (Ann) Sellner, Carlyn Sellner, Carol (Merlin) Krapfl, and David (Carol) Sellner. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Mildred in 2012, a son, Duane in 1969, siblings: Margie Geistkemper, Eleanor (John) Hoeger, Elmer (Evelyn) Geistkemper, Herman (Annetta) Geistkemper, and several in infancy, in-laws: Jerry Pins, Tom Ament, Jim Sellner, and Gib Goedken. Memorials are preferred. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com.