Obit: Van Der Geest, Donald "Donnie" (1930 - 2006)

Transcribed by: Crystal Wendt

Surnames: Van Der Geest, Van Prooyen, Helmstadter, Utecht, McOllin, Van Dyke, Stevenson

---Source: Foto News (Merrill, Lincoln County, Wis.) Wednesday, 13 Sept. 2006; Page 9

---Van Der Geest, Donald "Donnie" (18 Nov. 1930 - 9 Sept. 2006)

Donald Van Der Geest

Donald "Donnie" Van Der Geest, 75, Rothschild, died Saturday, Sept. 9, 2006, at Allison House.

Donald was born Nov. 18, 1930, in the town of Kalamazoo, Mich., to the late Joseph and Anna Van Prooyen Van Der Geest. He married Anita Helmstadter on Sept. 22, 1956, in Merrill. She preceded him in death on April 14, 2000.

Don had worked for Schneider Transport for over 20 years and received the "Million Mile" plaque. He was a member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in the town of Maine. During the Korean War, Don served in the U.S. Army and later in the U.S. Air Force. Don enjoyed camping, traveling to Florida for the winters, buying cattle, going to the "Diner," visiting with friends and family and especially spending time with his grandchildren. Don's family would like to thank the wonderful staff at the Allison House and Dr. Rengel and his staff for their loving care.

Survivors include daughters Laurie (Rodney) Utecht, Wausau, and Wendy (Ed) McCollin, Appleton; son Ron (Dee), Merrill; and grandchildren Larry, Leah, Ross and Joey. He is further survived by sisters Lyd (Dutch) Van Dyke, Highland, Ind., and Marlene (Dale) Stevenson, Miles City, Mont.; and brothers Chub (Eleanor), and Ken (Mary Ann), Merrill.

In addition to his parents, Donnie was preceded in death by his wife and brother Richard.

Funeral services were held Monday, Sept. 11, at Waid Funeral Home, Merrill. Burial is in St. John Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, town of Maine. Full military honors were provided by VFW Post 1638 honor guard.

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