Nicolene DeGeest
March 16, 2017
Nicolene Mary DeGeest
Of Norwalk, Iowa
Nicolene DeGeest, age 63, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at Taylor House Hospice. She was born on August 3, 1953 in Knoxville, Iowa.
Nicolene graduated from Melcher High School and later went on to Central College to obtain her 4 year degree. Niki was married to Bruce DeGeest from 1978 – 1994. She proudly served her country ranked as Lieutenant Colonel in the USAF (ANG) Air National Guard for 26 years. Nicolene was a loyal member of many military and animal organizations that were very dear to her heart. Above all, she loved time spent with her family and her dogs.
Those left to cherish her memory include her loving sons, Brian DeGeest and Brad (Keela) DeGeest; grandchildren, Katie, Kamie, Lucilla, and a grandson on the way; brother, Pat Conrad; and a host of family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Lucille Conrad.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, March 30, 2017 at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter. Reception in her honor will follow at the Veterans Reception Center, 910 Main St. in Van Meter.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Wounded Warrior Project in loving memory of Niki.
Condolences may be expressed at: HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Jan Conrad
04/02/2017
I am very sorry to hear of Niki's passing. I remember so well all of our visits down to Melcher to see her and Pat and Uncle Raymond and Aunt Lucille. I always enjoyed being with them. I am so sorry I could not attend the funeral. May you rest in peace, Niki! God bless you and your family!
Fred Chabot
04/01/2017
I was saddened to learn that Niki had passed away. I worked with her at the 132nd Fighter Wing when she was a personnel officer. I was also her supervisor at Headquarters, Iowa Air National Guard, Camp Dodge, from 1991 through 2000. Niki served the women and men of the Iowa ANG with great distinction and contributed to the solution of many difficult personnel issues during that period. Her work was consistently of the highest quality and she was held in high regard by all who worked with her or benefitted from her knowledge. She was always an outstanding citizen-airman and patriot. May she Rest In Peace in God's loving embrace.
Jim & Cheray Fredregill
03/28/2017
So sorry to hear of Nikki's passing. She was one of my earliest supervisors in my ANG career. She was a great friend and mentor. She ultimately introduced me to my husband of 25 years during a drill weekend. We will love and cherish the memories always.
Keela DeGeest
03/27/2017
I just want to say on behalf of her son Brad and myself that we truly appreciate everyone's kind words and sympathy towards his Mother, Niki. It makes us happy to hear she was loved by so many, both personally and at the Guard where she helped many. The two of us will be present for her services on Thursday for anyone planning to join us and immediately following the reception. Thank you all for the support, she will be dearly missed by us and her extended family.
Viki Sauerman
03/27/2017
I met Nikki over 20 years ago through a mutual friend. I loved her personality her quick wit and her great smile. That was a long time ago sure don't know where the time goes. She loved her animals she also helped out and took the little multese we had named Sammy
Bobbie Nelson
03/26/2017
I was shocked to see in the paper today the loss of Niki, I remember when she joined ANG as I was one of the five Civil Service women who worked in different area, till the Air National Guard started to enlist women.She was a gem and laughed and knew her job. My prayers and sympathy are with you all at this sad time. May she now RIP with our father in heaven.
Roberta (Bobbie) Nelson
Jason Conrad
03/24/2017
RIP Aunt Nicky. Stay strong Brian and Brad, I remember visiting your house during the summer when I was younger and she was always great to me, God bless.
Col Steve Van Every
03/22/2017
I was very sorry to hear of Nicky's passing. She was a nice lady, knew her job very well, and was a pleasure to be around. Godspeed Nicky.
Kate Schultz
03/22/2017
So sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. I worked with her when I first started working at the Air National Guard Base in 1998. May you always remember the great times with her.
Doris Garland
03/21/2017
So sorry to hear of Nicky passing. I knew her through the air guard. She was a good friend and coworker. Condolences to the family. She will certainly be missed.??
Sandie Norton
03/21/2017
Brian and Brad
I was so saddened that your Mom left this world for her eternal home. I will always remember how your Mom, you two, Jennifer, and I would meet at Hardees on our way to the Air Guard's Children's Christmas Party. God Speed Nikki, you will live in the hearts of many.
Carolyn Smith
03/21/2017
I am so saddened to hear of Nicky's passing. I went to school with her at Melcher-Dallas and have fond memories of her. My thoughts are with her children and Pat her brother.
Brig Gen Doug PIerce
03/20/2017
I am so sorry to hear about the loss Nicky - she was such a pleasure to work with at the ANG. Always had a smile and was very knowledgeable about her duties and responsibilities. God Speed, Nicky!
Gloria Conrad
03/19/2017
I'm so sorry to learn of Niki's passing! She was a special person in so many ways. I'll miss her and want to express my condolences to her family.
Zita Lovell
03/19/2017
I was so sorry to hear of Nicky passing. I worked at the Air Guard with her. She was a good person. May God be with your family at this time.
RIP my friend.