Ronald Dwain Geist

Ronald Dwain Geist, 73, passed on Monday, February 13, 2012 at his Manzanola home. Ronald was born on January 13, 1939 in Rocky Ford, Colorado to Henry “Hank” & Geneva Mae “Jo” (Parker) Geist, Jr. He married Candace Norris on September 15, 2000 in Woodland Park, Colorado.Ronnie attended school until the 4th grade in Hartman, Colorado. He graduated from Manzanola High School class of 1957. He studied electronics at Otero Junior College. He worked at the American Crystal Sugar and later after many years he retired from the Santa Fe Railroad. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Manzanola, both Reverend Armstrong and Reverend Sakamoto had a great influence on Ronnie’s life. He also was a member of the Elks, Manzanola volunteer fireman, member of the Manzanola fire board, and with IBEW he served as a chairman. Ronnie enjoyed working in his yard and his garden and he will be greatly missed by  his family and friends.  Ronnie is survived by his wife, Candace J. Geist of the Manzanola home; brother, Dallas Henry (Jo Ann) Geist of Rocky Ford; sons, Charles Dwain (Julie) Geist of Eaton, CO and Chad David (Joanne) Geist of Ouray, CO both born to Phyllis Ann Shuffelt, Ronnie’s first wife; step-children, Jason (Chrissy) Millard of Edgewood, NM; Laura (Angel) Ramirez of Castle Rock, CO; Eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Kenneth Brown Geist and grandson, Tyler Millard.Those wishing to do so may make memorial contributions to the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, 207 PS. Park, Manzanola, 81058, American Cancer Association or to the Arkansas Valley Hospice, P.O. Box 408, La Junta, CO, 81050 direct or through the funeral home. A special thanks to the Manzanola class of 1957 and their sponsor and teacher, Bill McBride and to the Manzanola EMT’s, and all our friends, neighbors, Hospice, and Pioneer Home Health Care. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial service will be held on Friday, February 17, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ in Manzanola.