Eileen Marie Gesink

Eileen Marie Fells, born on December 8, 1938 was the first child born to the Merle and Nettie(Decker) Fells family. Eileen’s siblings are sister Carolyn(Fells) Reich, deceased brother Paul Fells-(Barbara), brother Bob Fells-(Gerri-deceased), deceased sister Donna(Fells)Warren-(Mike).

Eileen grew up in South Denver and attended Denver Public schools, Rosedale, Thatcher, McKinley and Grant.

Sometime in 1955, Eileen met her husband to be, Gary Gesink, at a high school basketball game, being played at the Colorado National Guard Armory Located at Logan St. & Speer Blvd. They both said it was “love at first sight”. The courtship and engagement continued for several years. Gary, being eligible for the military draft, volunteered for the draft (2 years), so the obligation would be completed when they marry. Shortly after Gary’s discharge they were married on June 13, 1959, 62 years ago! They enjoyed 50th and 60th Wedding Anniversaries with many family members, neighbors and many friends.

Eileen was a dedicated Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Aunt to many.

Eileen was a beloved Mother to 4 Children, Deborah Block, Robert Gesink-(Bill), Dan Gesink-(Mary) and Brent Gesink-(Laura).

A beloved Grandmother to Aaron Goodfellow-(Sarah), Tonya Charette-(Joe), Lynn Goodfellow-(Rob) and Kirsten Block-(Bryan), Danniel Sinton-(Hannah) and Jennifer Najera-(Marco) .

A beloved Great Grandmother to Aidan Charette, Aubrey Charette, Bryan Simental, Ariana Simental, Katarah Goodfellow. Jase Gwillim and Marco, Mateo, Monte, and Madox Najera.

Eileen’s family was first and foremost in her life, and she excelled at all phases of taking care of her family. She also helped her husband in his printing business. Eileen was soft spoken, thorough and tenacious in all her efforts. With her gentle, soft-spoken nature, she was immediately liked by all who knew her.

The family went on many trips, the highlights being a trip on the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and a trip to Disney World over the New Year Holiday.

The family had many trips to Sloan’s Lake for water skiing.

In 1973 the family moved to Lakewood and lived at their present address for 48 years.

In the late 90’s to early 2000’s, the family had many gatherings at the

A-Frame cabin in the mountains near Bailey Colorado.

In December, 2001 Eileen & Gary, accompanied by Grand Daughters Lynn(age 10) and Kirsten(age 8) took a trip to Hawaiian Islands. Grandma, Grandpa, Lynn & Kirsten had a great time.

After the children were grown Eileen and Gary took many trips. Some of them were, Denver Christian High School Class of ’54 reunions, Hawaii, Niagara Falls, New York City, Grand Canyon, Crater Lake, Mt Hood, Mt. St. Helens, Columbia River, San Francisco, a 30 day trip including Washington DC, many Civil war sites and the Appalachian Trail. In April, 2018 with Gary’s brothers, Bill, John, his wife, Dorry, took their last road trip through the Southwest including, Arches National Park, Utah State Park, Canyonlands National Park, Escalante National Monument, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Glen Canyon Dam, Grand Canyon National Park, Monument Valley, Natural Bridges National Monument. Mesa Verde, Four Corners, Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Black Canyon of the Gunnison River, Royal Gorge and finally visiting relatives in Canyon City.

When Gary was in the Army in Germany, he started sending demitasse spoons from any city he visited. Friends found out about Eileen’s collection and started sending spoons to her from places that they visited. Eventually Eileen acquired more than 150 spoons from all over the world and they are displayed in custom made wall display cases. Eileen has several hobbies; she became fascinated by lighthouses we saw on some of our travels and over the years accumulated many ceramic models and displayed them throughout the house. Eileen also has collections of several Native American dolls that she inherited from her mother, a small collection of Delfts Blue items and many stuffed animals she displays around the house. With permission Great Grand Kids love to carefully play with her stuffed animals and Eileen has a particular affection for Koala Bears.

There are many boxes of Christmas decorations that Eileen displayed taking over every available space in their home. She also makes many loaves of Pumpkin Bread for the holidays and distributes them to relatives and friends. She loves to bake special goodies all year long, yum, yum! Eileen also has decorations for every holiday that she loves to display so the great grandkids can check through the house to make sure the figurines are all present.

Until recently, Eileen hosted extended family gatherings for Mother’s Day,

Easter, Father’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Eileen will now continue her role from Earth Angel to Heavenly Angel.

Family, friends and neighbors will truly miss Eileen’s Gentle Spirit, her smile and her caring personality. We were truly blessed by having Eileen in our lives. We thank all of you for your friendship over the years.

We Love You and Miss You Eileen!