April 22, 1942-Aug. 22, 2024

David Lee Geldmacher, age 82 passed away on Aug. 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 and 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 and chips. He spent the rest of his life searching for fish and chips as good as they were in England.

David attended BYU and graduated from the University of Utah 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 heartbroken.

He was so blessed when he met Julie. She came into his life and renewed his smile. Julie and David were married on Oct. 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 eight great-grandchildren. His computer password for everything was always ireallyreallylovemytenkids (no caps).

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 two 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) and Hiedi Bell (Ren).

David was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Virginia, Ann Hayes Geldmacher (wife) Tyler David Geldmacher (son) and his siblings Gary, Charles, Shirley and 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, Aug. 30, at 11 a.m., at McArthur Funeral Home. Preceding the funeral service, a viewing will be held at 10 a.m.

Internment will take place in Brigham City Utah on Aug. 31.

Arrangements are under the direction of McArthur Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 160 West 700 South, St. George, 435-652-2844. Family and friends are invited to click here to sign David’s online guest book.