Christian W. Geels

IN MEMORY OF
CHRISTIAN WILLIAM GEELS

BORN
June 19, 1939 ~ Sheldon, Iowa
PASSED AWAY
July 21, 2005 ~ Sheldon, Iowa

FUNERAL SERVICE
2:00 P.M. Saturday, July 23, 2005
First Christian Reformed Church, Sheldon, Iowa
Rev. Greg Timmer ~ officiating

MUSIC
“On Eagle’s Wings”
“Children of the Heavenly Father”
Duet by: Dave Van Essen and Deanne DeJong
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS
No. 408 “Great is thy Faithfulness”
No. 440 “My Jesus, I Love Thee”
Sing for Joy No. 51 “There is a Redeemer”
Postlude: “The Hallelujah Chorus”
Organist: Alvina Krikke

CASKET BEARERS
Bob Poppema Virg Baker
Howard Vander Griend Marion Van Soelen
Dale Boer Perry Foreman
Glenn Schaap Duane Beekhuizen

FINAL RESTING PLACE
East Lawn Cemetery
Sheldon, Iowa

Arrangements are under the care of the
Vander Ploeg Funeral Home, Sheldon, Iowa

After the graveside service, relatives and friends
are invited to join the family in the
fellowship hall of the church.


CHRISTIAN W. GEELS



Christian “Chris” William Geels, the son of William and Sadie (Starkenburg) Geels, was born June 19, 1939, in Sheldon, Iowa. He attended Sheldon Christian School and graduated from Western Christian High School in 1956. He then attended Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan for one year. Chris returned to Sheldon and worked for Overlee Plumbing and Heating for a couple of years before going to work for his father at Vogel Paint & Glass. On July 27, 1960, he was united in marriage to Ellen Wiekamp in Matlock, Iowa. The couple made their home in Sheldon where they reared their family. Chris purchased the business from his father in 1974 and he was still serving the community during his illness. He passed away on Thursday, July 21, 2005, at the Northwest Iowa Health Center in Sheldon, reaching the age of 66 years, 1 month and 2 days.
He was a member of the First Christian Reformed Church in Sheldon where he had served as a deacon. Christian Education was very important to Chris, which he demonstrated by serving on the following boards: Sheldon Christian School, Western Christian High Village Northwest board and other boards throughout his life. He participated in many service organizations including the Sheldon Noon Kiwanis. Chris enjoyed gardening and traveling, but especially loved spending time with his family, particularly his grandchildren.
Chris leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Ellen, of nearly 45 years and their six children and their spouses: Greg and Starla Geels, Randy and Norma Geels, Steve and Roz Geels all of Sheldon, IA; Jeff and Shonna Geels of Grandville, MI; Kristi and Craig Stiemsma of Hull, IA; Jeremy and Carrie Geels of Scotts Valley, CA; 19 grandchildren: Amanda, Lindsey Brent and his fiancée Becky Bonnema, Christa, Danae Christopher, Nicholas, Jacquelyn & Benjamin; Brandon, Kaylee, Carissa, Justin Josie, Sydney four sisters, Nell and her husband, Dave Gregg of Middletown, PA; Adri and her husband, Gus Espino of Bradenton, FL; Mary and her husband, Harold Van Hulzen of Edgerton, MN; Lori Geels of Bradenton, FL; and a brother-in-law, Dr. Philip Habak of Bettendorf, IA; and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three infant grandchildren; and a sister, Hermina Habak.