"Thank you Aunt Geri for being the solid glue in our Fletcher family, for all the fantastic memories of Fort Dodge Christmases, family reunions and your larger than life spirit of heartfelt love, giving, and a life well lived. We'll miss you tremendously but treasure our wonderful memories forever. Heaven is shining brighter than ever with you there!"
In loving memory of
Geraldine "Geri" Anne Fletcher
October 10, 1928 - September 26, 2014
Geraldine "Geri" A. Fletcher, 85, died at the Marian Home in Fort Dodge, on Friday, September 26, 2014.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, October 2nd at 10:30 a.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with Rev. John Sersland and Rev. Darryl Landsverk officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday October 1st, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home.
Geri is survived by her husband, Bill Fletcher, of Fort Dodge; sons, Jeff (Tami) Fletcher of Cumming, IA; and Clark (Sandy) Fletcher of Fort Dodge; daughter, Kristy (Jon) Niemeyer of Indianola; grandchildren, Brian (Paige Herwig) Fletcher, Tim (Sara Ittelson) Fletcher, Bill Fletcher, Matthew (Christina) White, Megan Fletcher, Emma (Austin) Trabing, Christopher Niemeyer, and Michael Niemeyer; great grandchildren, London White and Solaine White; sister, Dorothy Myler; 2 brothers-in-law; 4 sisters-in-law; and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Frances (Kennedy) Groff.
Geraldine Anne Groff was born October 10, 1928 in Waterloo, IA. She graduated West Waterloo High School and attended Iowa Teachers College in Cedar Falls. In 1950, Geri was married to William A. Fletcher and together they made their home in Fort Dodge, IA.
Geri had a zest for life that continues to linger in the lives of those whose paths have crossed hers. She used her passion for making things memorable and her gift for making things look inviting as she filled every space she entered with her convictions, ideas and enthusiasm as well as the things she collected, things that reflected her very personality. She excelled at seeing reasons to celebrate.
She began her adult life teaching in the public schools four years, 2nd through 6th grade; and substituting one year while her husband was in the military and her first son was born. Those early years Geri served as PTA president, on the church council, and as Sunday school and Confirmation teacher. She was involved with the Arrowhead Area Education Agency for over 12 years where she acted as director and vice-president of the local board; vice-president and president of the Iowa State Board of AEAs; and chaired the State AEA Board's Convention when it was held in Fort Dodge.
Geri spent several years on the Trinity Hospital Foundation Board.
People fascinated Geri. Through the years she was a member of several social organizations such as P.E.O., Questers, and the Red Hat Society. Several years she judged the Holiday lights contest held in Fort Dodge.
Her involvement with her immediate family as well as her extended family would take pages to describe. She has left a legacy of the value and importance of family connections and interaction.
In lieu of flowers and memorials, the family requests to honor Geri's memory, that you make a point to read a book to a child, volunteer in your community, spend an extra half hour over dinner with your family; then write a note to Bill and tell him about it.
Online condolences may be left at www.laufersweilerfuneralhome.com.
Tributes
"My heart is breaking to hear of my good friend, Geri,s passing. We were neighbors and also Bible Study friends for many years. We had many great conversations and I also enjoyed the visits to her wonderful house where her personality certainly shined through her many collections. Always smiling and so supportive of anything I did, in fact she was the one who invited me to the Bible Study that I attended for 12 years. For that, I thank her a million times. I will miss her. My sympathy to her wonderful husband, Bill, and family. Ruth Steinkoenig"
"I worked for about 17 years at the Crossroads Mall in the '80's and '90's. Even after all these years and no longer living in the area the moment I saw Geri's picture online I knew who she was. When she would walk in the store no matter what kind of day I was having my heart would take a little leap. I don't know how you could be around her and have anything but joy in your heart. I saw her only, for literally, minutes at a time. How blest are you who spent more time with her. My prayers go out to you that you find a way to fill that empty spot which is Geri."
"My sympathy to the Fletcher family for your dear loss. May her many sweet memories stay alive in your hearts forever. "
"On behalf of the Putnam family, I wish to express our condolences on the loss of your mother/wife. I remember Bill and Geri getting together with my parents at many gatherings. Geri was such a "presence" when she was in a room. Mom wishes she could be there for the service, but at 91 it's just too difficult to travel. But know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers. "
"Your Mother was a great woman. She was one of the most welcoming people when I entered the "Dooley-Fletcher" family. Everytime I saw her, she had a smile and hug ready! She was always thinking of others. I'm glad to have been part of her family. "