Gerald R. Crichton

Gerald Robert Crichton was born December 23, 1931, in Ravinia, South Dakota, the son of James and Alberta Branaugh Crichton. He was raised in Ravinia, receiving his education there. From June of 1952 until his honorable discharge in May of 1954, Gerald served his country in Korea in the United States Army. On November 3, 1952, Gerald was united in marriage with Donna Faye Roth in Lake Andes, South Dakota, and their union was blessed with four children, Monte, Marty, Deanna and Erma Beth. They made their home in Sioux City, Iowa, until 1961 when they moved to Denison, Iowa. In 1962 they moved to Vail, Iowa and Gerald was employed as a foreman with IBP in Denison until retiring in 1995. Gerald and Donna enjoyed their retirement years in Vail and following their children’s and grandchildren’s activities and events. Although work occupied a lot of his time he enjoyed spending his leisure hours with family camping, fishing, swimming, hunting and especially tormenting his beloved grandchildren. In earlier years when health permitted he and Donna attended Zion Lutheran Church in Arcadia. Donna died May 9, 2005, and Gerald remained at home in Vail. In September of 2009, Gerald entered Eventide Lutheran Home in Denison where his death occurred Tuesday, January 26, 2010. At the time of his death he had been blessed with 78 years, 1 month and 3 days. Including his parents, James and Alberta Crichton, and his wife, Donna, Gerald was also preceded in death by one grandson: Lance Irwin Maack; two brothers: Leslie and James Crichton; and three sisters: Erma Zwart; Mary Mueller; and Bonnie Sorenson. Those remaining to cherish his memory include four children and their spouses: Monte and Liz Crichton of Vail, Iowa; Marty and Sheila Crichton of Oak Grove, Missouri; Deanna and Corey Kastner of Sibley, Iowa; and Erma Beth and Russ Maack of Charter Oak, Iowa; 11 grandchildren: Crystal Hayes and friend, Michael Heard of Jefferson, Iowa; Travis Crichton and wife, Karla of Sibley, Iowa; Trevor Crichton and fiancee, Katie Bierl of Ankeny, Iowa; Cody Crichton of Springfield, Missouri; Heather Crichton of Oak Grove, Missouri; Courtney and husband, Tyler Plotz of San Diego, California; Calvin Kastner of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Kirk Maack; Bryant Maack and friend Heather McLaughlin; Joshua Maack; and Allison Maack all of Charter Oak, Iowa; 11 great grandchildren: Brooke, Xavier and Madison Hayes of Jefferson, Iowa; Alaina Heard of Jefferson, Iowa; Peyton Crichton of Sibley, Iowa; Teren Nees of Clive, Iowa; Regan and Hadley Crichton of Sibley, Iowa; Tavian and Jayla Plotz of San Diego, California; and Blake Maack of Charter Oak, Iowa; three brothers: Hubert Crichton and wife, Karen of Cottonwood Falls, Kansas; Curtis Crichton of Vermillion, South Dakota; and Larry Crichton and wife, Karen of Larchwood, Iowa, two sisters-in-law: Eva Crichton of Tea, South Dakota; and Donna Crichton of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; one brother-in-law: Harold Mueller of North Sioux City, South Dakota; other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 30, 2010, at the United Presbyterian Church in Vail, Iowa, with the Rev. Richard Francis officiating. Music for the service included three congregational hymns, “Amazing Grace”, “Old Rugged Cross” and “Rock of Ages” with Ruth Noelck serving as organist. Honorary pallbearers were Gerald’s granddaughters Crystal Hayes, Heather Crichton, Courtney Plotz and Allison Maack. Serving as pallbearers were his grandsons, Travis, Trevor and Cody Crichton, Calvin Kastner and Kirk, Bryant and Joshua Maack. In honoring Gerald’s wishes, after cremation rites have been accorded, he will lovingly be entrusted to his family. Following the services the family invited all in attendance to join them in fellowship and a luncheon prepared and served by the United Presbyterian Women. The Pfannebekcer Funeral Home, www.pfannebecker.com , in Denison was in charge of arrangements.