Donald Adelbert Geck (79) of Selah, Washington, was born on the family farm in Glen Ullin, North Dakota on September 9, 1938. He was the third son of six sons and four daughters born to Philip and Rose Geck. He worked on the farm and in construction up until he married MaryAnn Messer on December 27, 1961. They then traveled to Montana following the Schultz & Lindsey Construction Company, building the super highway. On a cold wintery Valentine’s Day in 1963, they welcomed their twin son and daughter, Ray and Rhonda. Six years later Robin was born, followed by Melissa and Shyla to complete their family. In May of 1967 with piles of snow still on the ground, they moved to Washington State. Don worked in Moses Lake and Mountlake Terrace until 1969, after which they moved to Royal City where Don worked on a ranch as the lead mechanic. A jack of all trades, he was capable of multi-tasking whether it be farming, construction, mechanics, plumbing or electrical. After moving to Selah in 1978 he worked for Speed Lewis Construction. While working for Speed, he was building a road near Mt. St. Helens when it erupted on May 18, 1980, barely making it out in time. It was a story told over and over throughout the years. Later he became manager of the Eastern region of Joe Hall Construction Company based out of Federal Way, Washington, building gas stations in Washington, Oregon and Idaho, and finally retiring in 2000. He was a devout Catholic his entire life and a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church for over 40 years. He served with the Knights of Columbus his entire adult life.
Don entered the eternal bliss of Heaven on March 14, 2018. He passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. He leaves behind his wife MaryAnn, children Ray Geck of Selah, Washington, Rhonda (John) Hornick of Redmond, Washington, Robin (Brick) Fry of Bellingham, Washington, Melissa (Jim) Warmoth of Yakima, Washington, and Shyla Geck (Clay) of Seattle, Washington. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren, Tyler and McKenzie Prosser both of Redmond, Washington, Audrey and Emily Fry both of Bellingham, Washington, Brycen and Kaden Geck both of Selah, Washington, and Christian Warmoth of Yakima, Washington. In addition, he leaves behind brothers Richard, Robert, Dennis and Kelly, and sisters Theresa, Arlene, Phyllis and Nadine, as well as countless nieces and nephews who adored him as Uncle Donnie. His father and mother, Philip and Rose, and his brother Bud precede him in death.
For the past ten years, Don lived with Lewy-Body Dementia and Parkinson’s up until the time of his passing. He was a hard worker, a kind and generous man, a loving husband and father, and a doting grandfather. Don loved his seven grandchildren with all his heart. He lived for their visits and showered each of them with love, praise and encouragement. He had a special way of tapping into their own individual talents. One of his favorite pastimes was jumping on the trampoline with the kids. He loved watching them do tricks and chasing them around it. The grandkids treasure the memory of Papa making them chocolate milk in the mornings and watching cartoons together. We all lovingly laugh at Pops’ love for ice cream, particularly banana splits. Even up to his final days, the only food he asked for was ice cream! We are so grateful that he is free from his infirmities and is now rejoicing in Heaven with our Lord. We love you and miss you so much.
Please join family and friends for a Rosary vigil on Tuesday, March 20th at 5:00 pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Selah. A Funeral Mass to celebrate Don’s life will be held at the church on Wednesday, March 21st at 11:00 am. A reception will follow in the Church Hall immediately after the funeral. Graveside burial will take place at a later date.
To share a memory of Don visit www.lepfuneralhome.com.
