Doris Geiken

Doris Jeane Geiken, 89, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died December 10, 2015 at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg, NE.

Doris Jeane Geiken was born June 22, 1926 at Chapman, Kansas, to Francis Dewey and Geneva (Newlin) Brenner. Along with one sister, Marian, the family lived in various places in Kansas since Doris’ father worked for the Union Pacific as a telegrapher. In 1938 they moved to Valparaiso, Nebraska, and Doris graduated from high school there in 1944. The family moved to Gothenburg and Doris began working for Gothenburg State Bank.

On March 2, 1947, she married Clifford Geiken in the chapel at Cozad Methodist Church and they moved south of Gothenburg to the farm that had been Clifford’s parents. To this union two children arrived: Carole Ann and David Lee.

Doris was a member of Banner United Methodist Church until 1970 when she and Cliff joined the Gothenburg United Methodist Church. Doris started playing and singing for funerals while in high school and continued with those special services to others the rest of her life. The church has been a highlight of Doris’ life as she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, a member of United Methodist Women, played the piano for Long Term and Hilltop services, in addition to singing and playing for weddings and funerals. She served as church organist for many years, in addition to serving as church secretary for 17 years. Doris was a music aide at District 32 for about 20 years and was lovingly called Mrs. Music by her students. She also belonged to the VFW Auxiliary, P.E.O. and Eastern Star.

Doris will be missed by her daughter Carole Ann Coates of Cozad, two grandchildren: Jennifer (Darrell) Chancellor of Gothenburg and Elizabeth (Tom) Kehler of Culbertson, four great-grandchildren: Skyler and Abigail Chancellor and Robert and Reid Kehler, sister Bess Oatman and family of Ohio, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as all the people in Gothenburg that she stopped by to visit, make a phone call to check on them or take a little “goodie” from her kitchen. Doris was an angel placed here on earth to become a bright spot in many, many lives. She was a very loving and caring person to those she came into contact.

She was preceded in death by her husband Cliff on February  26, 2015;  son David, on Oct. 2, 2004, her parents, son-in-law Gary Coates and sister and brother-in-law Marian (Robert) Behrens.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Wednesday, December 16, 2015, 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

Services will be held at First United Methodist Church, December 17, 2015 at 11:00 am with Pastor Joel Plisek officiating.

Interment will follow in the Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska.

Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church 1401 Lake Ave, Gothenburg, NE 69138 or the Gothenburg Senior Center 410 20th Street,  Gothenburg, NE 69138.  To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com.