Dana Lou DeGeest, age 88, passed peacefully on March 6, 2021 at Ramsey Village in Des Moines, IA.
Dana Lou Schwab was born August 18, 1932 in Oskaloosa, IA to George and Iola (Trusler) Schwab. Dana grew up and attended school in Beacon, IA. She met the love of her life, Robert Lee DeGeest at a young age and the two married on August 6, 1949. The happy couple had two daughters, Lynne, and Nicki. The family moved to Des Moines, IA in 1963 where Dana worked at Preferred Risk. Dana ultimately retired from USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) after 20 years.
Dana was a strong and independent woman with a gentle soul. She regularly showed how deeply she cared for her family through gifts of love, food, and time. Dana was known for her knack for sewing; she made countless quilts, afghans, and articles of clothing including fun and stylish barbie doll outfits for her granddaughter’s collection. She was an avid reader and shared her love for books with all around her. One great grandchild dubbed her “Grandma Books” because Dana regularly brought books and read them to the children in her life. She loved to shop and passed this passion on to her daughters and some grandchildren. She made innumerable family meals that included a variety of homemade comfort foods which were typically topped off with her apple pie. Dana was a woman who could paint a room or drill a hole when the occasion called for it. She enjoyed traveling, in particular to Hawaii. One grandchild was born there, and she and Bob fell in love with Hawaii when they visited. The two made 17 trips and following his death Dana made a few trips solo to the beloved island.
Dana loved her family unconditionally and it was evident by her smile and twinkle in her eyes, the constant love and forgiveness.
Following her husband’s Bob’s death, she provided donations to Hospice for their care and compassion towards him in his final days. Hospice also lovingly cared for Dana in her last days.
Dana was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 53 years, and siblings, Marion, June, Grace, Kathryn, Lynn, Robert, John, and David.
Those left to honor her memory include her daughters Lynne (Dan) Lunstrum, Nicki (Bill) Dake; grandchildren, Todd Smith and Jennifer Greear, great grandchildren, Madison Miller, and Carter Greear, great-great-grandchildren, Rhea, Emma, and Brayden. She also loved and is loved by step grandchildren, Shelly, Carrie, Jason, and Lori, and 8 step great-grandchildren.
Dana will be missed however more important than her number of days on this earth is the legacy of love she left behind.
Graveside services are Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 2:00 P.M., Chapel Hill Cemetery, 4400 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA. Mask are mandatory.
Memorials can be made in her honor to Hospice of Central Iowa.
