Sara Geiken

After a full and too brief life, Sara Geiken died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, in the early morning hours of Wednesday, October 9, 2024, after living with lung cancer for 5 years.

Sara was born on January 18, 1980. She graduated from Hampton-Dumont High School and studied psychology (and many other things) at Iowa State University before starting a 20-year career at Wells Fargo. 

Sara’s favorite person, her daughter Paige, was holding her hand when she passed. Being Paige’s mom was her proudest and most defining title. Paige was the person with whom she most wanted to share a story, consider a different perspective, and stay up giggling late into the night. She was grateful for every second they had together and every milestone they could celebrate, including Paige’s matriculation at Iowa State University in the fall of 2023.

Sara often remarked, “I have the best family!” With her generous heart, she included so many loved ones under the term. She was widely considered to be “the smartest Geiken,” and that is saying something in this brainy group. She did not turn down the flattery, although she would willingly cede the title to the next generation of smart Geikens. Many of her friends noted her strength and courage as she faced each stage of her illness with dignity and positivity. Here too, she accepted the compliments with a smile and a what’s-the-alternative shrug. 

As intelligent as she was, Sara did not take herself too seriously. She approached all challenges with a goofy and sharp sense of humor. She was a realist without a hint of cynicism and a pragmatist with a healthy dose of silliness, which she applied to great effect. First and foremost, she was caring and kind to everyone she met. 

Sara was a painter, crafter, and Lego enthusiast. She and Paige loved all things Disney. Many knew Sara to have a soft spot for Hallmark Channel movies, especially around the holidays. She was also a lover of top 100 lists, consulting them before picking a book to read or a movie to watch because, “Why not spend your time working your way through the best of the best?” She enjoyed connecting with friends, playing games, and solving puzzles. She enjoyed exploring local and state parks, checking them off her list as she went.

As a non-smoker with an unexplained lung cancer diagnosis, Sara encouraged others to get lung cancer screenings and test for radon in their homes. Even before her diagnosis, Sara was a staunch supporter of the American Lung Association. She raised thousands of dollars over the years as part of the annual Fight for Air Climb - Des Moines event. In 2024, she traveled to Washington, DC as an Iowa Lung Force Hero, telling her story on Capitol Hill asking policymakers to pay attention to lung health issues and act on laws and programs that save lives.

Sara is survived by her daughter, Paige Geiken in Ames, IA; her mother, Rosemary Geiken in Urbandale, IA; her father, Lee Geiken (Charlene Porter) in Des Moines, IA; her brothers Carl Geiken (Katie and Tehan) in Iowa City, IA, and Kevin Geiken (Brad Hopkins) in Des Moines, IA; and many other dear family members and loved ones including uncles, aunts, and cousins, whom she cherished. 

She was preceded in death by paternal grandparents Jake and Loretta Geiken; maternal grandparents Al and Rose Campbell; and many other dear deceased family members.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Sara to the American Lung Association, Friends of Warren County Conservation, or a park or organization that matters to you. Special thanks to the people at John Stoddard Cancer Center and EveryStep Hospice’s Kavanagh House. 

Sara was the best of us, and she brought out the best in others. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Sara’s family is hosting a “celebration of life” party on Sunday, November 3 at the Annette Nature Center’s Middleswart Lodge in Indianola, Iowa from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There will be no formal program. Come when you can.