Geraldine "Geri" E. Christianson

Geraldine “Geri” E. Christianson, age 95, passed away Friday, September 18, 2015. Geri was born in Pittsville, WI, August 26, 1920, daughter of the late August J. and Emma (Nee: Truchiski) Grube. After high school graduation, Geri became a resident of Racine.

On January 25, 1947, at Holy Innocents Church, Geri was united in marriage to Earl O. Christianson. She found happiness in nurturing her family, creating a comfortable home, cooking, baking, and standing by her husband’s side offering support as he pursued his career.

Geri’s strong intellectual curiosity led to many college sponsored study tours within the United States and abroad. Being an avid reader, she read a nonfiction book just about every week. With pride, she recalled that she received her elementary education in a one room schoolhouse; however, in adult life, she visited all 50 states and nine countries located in five continents. It was important to her that all of her children receive a college education and through her selflessness each one completed their degree.

In 8th grade, Geri received a music appreciation award that sparked her love of classical music, Beethoven being her favorite composer. As her children grew, so did her taste in music. Often the radio would be playing in the kitchen and she would make time to dance and sing with them.

In addition to her love of music, Geri spent many hours tending to her flowers, feeding the wild birds and enjoying nature. Every summer vacation was spent “roughing it” in the northern woods of Wisconsin, camping, fishing, swimming and being with family.

Geri attended the First United Methodist Church faithfully and had been active with their gift shop.

She is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Earl; her five children, Kevin (Lisa) Christianson of Cookeville, TN; Maureen Reinfried of Columbus, WI; Tim Christianson of Milwaukee, WI; Jeanne Meyer of Muskego, WI; Sharon Christianson of Racine; six grandchildren, Justine Christianson (Michael Adams); Emily Christianson (Ganesh Giri Jaya Lee); Orin Christianson; Erika (Joseph) Mitchen; Derek (Jennifer) Reinfried; Troy Meyer; 5 great-grandchildren; sister, Carolyn (Ray) Davidson of Racine; brother, Lawrence (Dorothy) Grube of Pittsville, WI; sister-in-law, Carol Vaillancourt of Racine; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by grandson Kyle Meyer; son-in-law Robert Reinfried; brother, Fred Grube; sisters, Eleanor Eggert, Betty Grube, Irma Johnson, Alice Parker, Agnes Kumm, Irene George, Corrine McCuller, and Frances “Frannie” Langendorf.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday September 25, 2015 at 4 PM at the First United Methodist Church, 745 Main Street with Rev. Jakes Voker officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church on Friday September 25, 2015 from 3 PM until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church or to the Racine Public Library.

We would like to express thanks and deep appreciation to family, friends and neighbors that Geri held close to her heart as well as the medical teams that treated Geri throughout the years. A special thank you to Linda Lepow, who offered care and concern above and beyond.

When Geri entered hospice care a few days before her passing, she was concerned about her children’s sadness at her impending death. “I feel so sorry for the kids.” Her family came first, even then.