David Lee Geldmacher

David Lee Geldmacher, age 82 passed away on August 22, 2024 in St. George Utah with his family by his side after a seven-year battle with Leukemia. David was born in Portola, California on April 22, 1942 to Virginia Worthington & Raymond William Geldmacher. 

David had a strong German heritage and complained about learning how to play the accordion as a child. 

As a boy, David moved to Grantsville, Utah where he attended Grantsville Elementary and Grantsville High school. He was in the middle of many shenanigans with his brothers and friends. In Grantsville, he met his High School sweetheart, Ann Hayes. 

David served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to London, England. He had many fun stories of biking around London and eating fish & chips. He spent the rest of his life searching for fish & chips as good as they were in England. 

David attended BYU and graduated in accounting. When he asked Florence Hayes for Ann’s hand in marriage, Florence wouldn’t let him get married to Ann until he graduated. He graduated in record speed. 

David and Ann were married on May 27, 1966 In the Salt Lake City temple. They lived in Grantsville where their five children were born. They later moved to Brigham City.

During his career, he worked at Tooele Army Depot, Hill Air Force Base and Thiokol for the Department of Defense. He was very detail-oriented, while possessing a very happy, friendly and disarming personality. These traits made him a tremendous auditor and he loved saving the Department of Defense money. 

While living in Brigham City, Ann died unexpectedly and left him grief-stricken and heart broken. 

He was so blessed when he met Julie. She came into his life and renewed his smile. Julie and David were married on October 9, 1997. He adored Julie and very quickly grew to love her kids. He was always happy to report on their combined 10 kids, 36 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. 

Dave retired early and he and Julie set out on a 27-year adventure. Along the way, they lived in Parker, Colorado and then moved to a farm in Colby, Kansas. During that time, he served as Branch President for the local branch, enriching the lives of the branch members with his infectious smile and gregarious personality. He loved life on their farm and enjoyed taking care of his animals and driving his tractor. 

Later, Dave and Julie lived in Pocatello, Idaho and then ultimately St. George, Utah. During that time, they served 2 missions together in Quito, Ecuador and Anaheim, California.

Dave loved to ski, spending many Saturdays on the ski hill with his children. He also loved to hike, boat and travel. He was a devout Utah Jazz and BYU fan. He always laid out a spread for games which included his famous chip dip, Spanish peanuts, circus cookies and gummy worms. 

Dave was diagnosed with Leukemia at the age of 75. He spent many years in treatment and then in rehab to regain strength from his treatment. He was valiant and courageous to the end.

David is survived by Julie Bandley Geldmacher (wife), LeeAnn Rupp (Norm), Laurie Berrett (Crae), Angela Johnston (Colby), Hiedi Bell (Ren).

David was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond & Virgina, Ann Hayes Geldmacher (wife) Tyler David Geldmacher (son) and his siblings, Gary, Charles, Shirley & Sam. 

David was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He had a strong love for his Savior and emanated Christ like love throughout his life. 

A Funeral will be held on Friday, August 30th at 11:00 am McArthur funeral home. Preceding the funeral service, a viewing will be held at 10:00 am. 

Internment will take place in Brigham City Utah on August 31st at 3:00 PM. 

Online condolences and memories may be shared at mcarthurfuneralservices.com