• Article Photo. Family members took many photos of Greta and her descendants during 80th celebration at stadium.
    Family members took many photos of Greta and her descendants during 80th celebration at stadium.
  • Article Photo. Greta and her great-grandchildren pose for cameras at Veterans Stadium.
    Greta and her great-grandchildren pose for cameras at Veterans Stadium.
  • Article Photo. Greta Geiken was accompanied on the field by a son and grandson when she threw first pitch.
    Greta Geiken was accompanied on the field by a son and grandson when she threw first pitch.
  • Article Photo. Greta Geiken tosses the ball to the Kernels catcher; she was honored in C.R. on her 80th birthday
    Greta Geiken tosses the ball to the Kernels catcher; she was honored in C.R. on her 80th birthday
  • Article Photo. Greta Geiken and Annie Lent of Vinton threw out first pitches at C.R. Kernels game July 10.
    Greta Geiken and Annie Lent of Vinton threw out first pitches at C.R. Kernels game July 10.

Greta Geiken of Vinton turned 80 years old on Sunday.

She spent the weekend celebrating the milestone with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

And on Saturday night, another 4,000 Iowans joined in the celebration.

Greta through out the first ceremonial pitch at Veterans Stadium before the Cedar Rapids Kernels played the Peoria Chiefs. Approximately 25 members of her family joined her at the stadium, wearing matching green and white shirts.

Accompanied by a son and grandson, Greta walked onto the field, where she tossed the ball to the Kernels catcher after being introduced to the audience.

Greta has been a part-time worker for the Vinton Parks and Recreation Department for many years. She continues to work a few hours per week at the Rec Center, and also at the Skate Center, where she plays the music for those who walk there in the mornings.

"I like to joke with her that she's the world's oldest DJ," said VPRD Director Duane Randall, who organized the tribute to Greta as part of Vinton Night at Veterans Stadium, where more than 4,200 fans attended the game.  

---Reader Comments

 Happy Birthday to Greta Geiken! (She is my brothers mother in law! -the
mother of my awesome sister in law, Deanna (Geiken) Yocum) Hope you had a great Birthday! Tammy (Yocum) Paddock