Obit: Spaete, Geraldyne #3 (1932 - 2015)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Spaete, Jarocki, Hedler, Stickert, Smith, Scalissi, Bertz, Wahl, Carow, Cortez, Joseph

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 9/16/2015

Spaete, Geraldyne (21 July 1932 - 8 September 2015)

Geraldyne Hedler Spaete, 83, of Granton passed away peacefully with her family by her side Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015, at the Three Oaks Rehab Center in Marshfield.

Gerrie was born July 20, 1932, to Fred and Helen (Jarocki) Hedler in Thorp. She graduated from Thorp High School in 1950 and from Chippewa Valley Tech in 1952 with a business degree. She worked at Uniroyal and The Peoples Exchange Bank in Thorp. Gerrie was a bridesmaid 16 times until she became a bride Aug. 12, 1961, marrying the love of her life, Alvin Spaete, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thorp. After moving to Granton, she worked at Citizens State Bank until 1962 when she specialized in becoming a full-time mom and grandmother.

Gerrie had many interests. She enjoyed traveling, seeing most of the U. S. Riding on Amtrak, along with many driving trips with Al. She was an avid sports fan enjoying all Wisconsin teams. However, nothing topped cheering on her children and grandchildren in their sports and competitive endeavors. A good polka band would always get her toes tapping, and she was an excellent dancer. A lakeside stay and sitting around a campfire with family was always a special occasion for Gerrie. A big part of her life was her Catholic faith and her daily prayers.

She is survived by her husband, Alvin; children: Denise (Dana) Stichert of Chili, Doug (Layli) Spaete of Glenview, IL, Dionne (Jeremy) Smith of Oregon, WI, and Deb (Joe) Scalissi of Monona; grandchildren: Damon, Dylan and Dara Stichert; Grant and Trent Spaete, Devan and Kassy Bertz and Biagio and Giovanna Scalissi; step-grandchildren, Alix (John) Wahl and Justin Smith; and two great-grandchildren, Alexis Carow and Winnie Wahl. She is also survived by two brothers, Donald “Jake” (Delores) Hedler of Colby and Sylvester “Silver” (Dorothy) Hedler of Roseville, MN.

Gerrie was preceded in death by her parents; a twin brother, Gerald; and brothers, Francis ‘Deacon,” Wilfred and Clarence.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 14, 2015, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Neillsville, with Rev. Varkey V. Joseph as the celebrant. Providing music were St. Mary’s Choir; Vincent Cortez, organist; and Deb Scalissi and Sue Hedler. Visitation was held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a 7:30 p.m. Rosary service, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville and again from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Interment was in Windfall Cemetery in Granton.

Serving as casket bearers were her grandsons.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. The Gesche Funeral Home assisted Gerrie’s family with funeral arrangements.