William John Geake passed away at his home on April 22, 2022, at the age of 97. Bill was born on the home farm near the small town of Richard, Saskatchewan on August 20, 1924. He was 9 years old when he moved with his father William V. Geake and mother Mabel (Law) Geake and sisters Ethel and Myrt to his Grandfather David Law’s farm near Wall Lake, Iowa in 1934. He attended Viola #4 country school and graduated in 1942 from Wall Lake High School. He served as an Aviation Machinist and Naval Gunner in the U.S. Navy before returning to farming. After his discharge, he was inspired to get his private pilot’s license. In 1956 he was united in marriage to Lucille Bieret at the Wheatland Presbyterian Church. They were blessed with three children - Marie, John, and Elizabeth.
He was very active in the Wheatland Church, serving as Deacon and Elder. He was involved as a leader in 4-H, served on the school board, was a Wall Lake Lions charter member, Soil Conservation Board member, and served on the board of directors at the Wall Lake Savings Bank.
His farming operations included: Grade A dairy herd of Holsteins, farrowing sows, and finishing pigs, corn, soybeans, oats, and hay.
Throughout his farming career, his conservation practices were ahead of the time. His love of conservation was endless. Even this past week he was talking about the need for more terraces. He was happy to see the next generation carrying on the practices he pioneered.
He proudly carried the flag for the legion every year in the Farm Festival for over four decades. He really enjoyed being a Boys State counselor for 10 years.
His love of travel led to new friendships, which led to more travels as they visited their friends. A special trip was visiting their foreign exchange student in Brazil. They enjoyed visiting Bill’s relatives in England and Lucille’s in Germany.
At the time of his death, he was the oldest living person in Wall Lake and the only living WW II veteran from his legion post.
He shared his love of trees and planted thousands in the area over the years. Passing on Earth Day seemed appropriate.
Bill is survived by his wife Lucille; daughter Marie Perdue (Terry), son John Geake (Cathy), daughter Elizabeth Potocsnak (Jeff); grandchildren: Sara Kirkley (Brandon), Tom Geake (Kaitlin) Laura Geake (Kris Schmidt), Ellen Potocsnak, Sophie Potocsnak, Stephen Potocsnak; Great-grandchildren: Elaina Geake, Claire Geake, June Geake, Cecelia Geake, William Geake, Ada Geake, and Grace Kirkley, sister: Myrt Stephens, sister-in-law: Darlene Lundberg, brother-in-law: George Bieret, sister-in-law: Norma Bieret, brother-in-law: Leroy Bieret (Reva) and extended family members and friends.
Bill was preceded in death by a sister: Ethel Hughes, brothers-in-law: Howard Hughes, Ken Stephens, Willis “Bud” Lundberg, Paul Bieret, sister-in-law: Lavonne Bieret , parents: William V. and Mabel Geake, parents-in-law: Mike and Rena Bieret.
