Dayton Edward Geranen

Dayton Edward Geranen 1934-2023

Dayton Edward Geranen, 88, previously of Lafayette, CA passed away Monday, April 24, 2023, at Carlton Senior Living, Pleasant Hill, CA. Son of Edward Hjalmer Geranen and Stella Susan (Anderson) Geranen.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday 6/2/23 @ 4pm @ St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 3051 Putnam Blvd, Pleasant Hill, CA for family and friends. Reception to follow. Zoom link provided here for those who cannot attend:

Dayton Geranen's Celebration of Life:

Time: Jun 2, 2023 04:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

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Passcode: 288139

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Dayton was born August 11, 1934, in Frederick, South Dakota. He worked the family farm with his father and brothers, attended Frederick High School and moved to CA where his sister Joan lived in San Mateo, CA. He enlisted in the Army in 1957. He was based in Fort Hood, TX and worked as an Engineering Equipment Mechanic. After an honorable discharge in 1959, he returned to the Bay Area and met his wife Cornelia (Connie) at a dance and the rest is history. They loved to dance. They moved to South Dakota, Dayton’s home state, to farm. Son Mark was born there. A few tough farming years brought them back to CA. Daughter Laura was born in CA. They tried farming again in SD and then moved back to CA where they ultimately settled in Lafayette, CA. Dayton was an active member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church for over 50 years. He served on the church council property committee for many years, ushered and always gave a warm welcome to anyone new. He worked with his brother Dennis and son Mark in construction, building and remodeling many homes in the East Bay. After 2 retirement parties, he started an earthquake retrofit business at the young age of 80 and worked up until age 85. Dayton was an avid Giants fan, attending many games with friends and family. Back in the day, you could find him working on his truck listening to Lon Simmons announce the Giants games on AM radio. Dayton loved to go back to South Dakota to pheasant hunt with family and friends, grinning ear to ear if he got the opportunity to jump on a piece of farm equipment.

Dayton was the beloved husband of Cornelia Rose Geranen, loving father of Mark Richard Geranen and Laura Kathleen Geranen.  Brother of Dennis Geranen. Also survived by Grandson Clark James (Rachel) and Great Grandson Miles Maleko Geranen and Granddaughter Emily Elise Geranen.

Grateful to have shared Dayton's life are Mark (Regina) Geranen-Hayden ID, Laura Geranen-Larkspur, CA, Clark (Rachel) and Great Grandson Miles Geranen-Alameda, CA, Emily Elise Geranen-Seattle, WA Warren (Patricia) Jackson-Tracy, CA, Steve (Teresa) Jackson-Portland, OR, Robin Ann Lousi-Hayward, CA, Allan (Shannon) Jackson-Manteca, CA, Gary (Laura) Jackson-Phoenix, AZ, Christopher (Michele) Jackson-Bend, OR. Brother Dennis Geranen-Aberdeen, SD, Cynthia Geranen-Rapid City, SD, Brett (Joan Welles) Geranen-Washington, DC.,  Chandra Geranen-Rapid City, SD, Rebecca (Richard) Allen-Baudette, MN, Barbara Geranen-Aberdeen, SD, Kipp (Lisa) Geranen-Brandon, SD, Kelly (John) Mitzel-Missoula, MT, Lona (Michael) Gruebele-Prior Lake, MN, Doug (Lesli) Geranen-Frederick, SD. Ken Saroff-Auburn, CA, Dale (Maria) Saroff-Folsom, CA, Ricky (Lorna) Saroff-San Mateo and all of their children and great-grandchildren. And his many cousins.

He is preceded in death by his wife Cornelia Rose Geranen, father Edward, mother Stella, sisters-in-law Darlene Geranen, Karen Geranen, sister Joan (Geranen) Saroff, brothers-in-law Manuel Saroff and brothers Russell Geranen and Jim Geranen.

We will remember Dayton for his love of family, his strong work ethic, commitment to his church, his smile and kindness to all. He will always be in our hearts.   

In lieu of flowers, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church was near and dear to his heart, if you wish to give a donation in his name.

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