Edwin C. Geest

Edwin C. Geest, 90, a life-long farmer and resident of rural Blue Grass, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

A service to celebrate Ed’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Blue Grass Presbyterian Church, where he was proud to be the oldest living member. He will be laid to rest at the Blue Grass Cemetery following the service. Visitation will take place from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Blue Grass Presbyterian Church or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospitals. Chambers Funeral Home of Eldridge is assisting the family with arrangements.

Ed was born May 27, 1935, at the family farm in Blue Grass, the son of Charles and Clara (Kress) Geest. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany during his enlistment. On June 14, 1969, he married the love of his life, Katey Sundstrom, in Rockford, Illinois. They met at a church singles dance, and on their very first date, Ed—being a pilot—took Katey on an airplane ride over Scott County, sparking a lifetime of adventures together.

Farming was not only Ed’s livelihood but also his calling. He cared deeply for the land and took pride in being among the first in the area to practice no-till farming, ensuring healthier soil for future generations. He firmly believed in supporting his community, serving on the Blue Grass Savings Bank Board for over 50 years and helping to found the German-American Heritage Society.

Ed and Katey had a gift for hospitality. Over the years, they welcomed more than 30 international students to their farm, sharing their love of agriculture and building lasting friendships that carried them across the globe to visit students in Germany, Argentina, and Australia. Closer to home, they became familiar faces at the Davenport Farmer’s Market, where Ed played a key role in establishing the indoor market.

Life was never all work and no play for Ed. He and Katey enjoyed a wide circle of friends, and together they formed the “Old Farts Club,” a group that cherished many day-long outings in and around eastern Iowa.

Above all, Ed was a devoted husband, father, grandpa, and great-grandpa. He leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Katey; his daughter, Emmie (Michael) Tarpey of Lost Nation, Iowa; his son, Dieter (Heather) Geest of Blue Grass; his grandchildren, Elisabeth (Isaac) Daiber, Grace Tarpey, Meghan Tarpey, Clare Tarpey, Jack Tarpey, Cece Tarpey, Bernadette Tarpey, Anneliese Tarpey, Violet Geest, Otto Geest, and Greta Geest; and his great-grandchildren, Maire and Edmund Daiber. He is also survived by his sisters, Lois Schurr of LeClaire, Iowa, and Ruth (Frank) Postma of LeMars, Iowa, along with many cherished friends.

Ed’s life was full of faith, family, and friendships, and his legacy will live on in the land he farmed, the community he loved, and the family he so dearly treasured.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Beacon of Hope Hospice for their professional and compassionate care shown to Ed during his illness.

Condolences may be shared with his family by viewing his obituary at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com