Geraldine Doris Kirkeide (Luebke)

Geraldine Doris (Luebke) Kirkeide died on July 28, 2024 at the age of 98. She was born on December 31, 1925 to Lillian Mignon and Erwin Luebke. They divorced when Gerry was an infant, so she was raised by her father’s sister, Ella Kositzke. The bright spot of her childhood was her best friend, Betty (Hoffman) Vosper. Gerry and Betty were neighbors and friends for their entire lives. Gerry met her husband, Roger Wayne Kirkeide, at Appleton HIgh School. She graduated in 1943. She and Roger were married on June 3, 1944 in Ft. Benning, GA. After WWII ended, Gerry and Roger returned to Appleton and lived the remainder of their lives in the red house on Winnebago Street. 

Gerry devoted her life to Roger, to raising her children, and to spending time with her grandchildren. They spent many summers at the family cottage on Pelican Lake, sitting on the dock or the deck enjoying the sun and the view. They went to Gulf Shores, Alabama to escape the winter, walk the beach, and enjoy the sun. She cherished her time with her children and grandchildren, whether in Gulf Shores, Pelican Lake or at home. 

Gerry lived through the deaths of two daughters, Susan Kay (Eric Rosenthal) and Cindy Louise, and of her husband, Roger. She is survived by her daughter Karen Jean (Paul Ziemer), her son John Roger (Jennifer Swart), her daughter Jane Lynn (Terry Gross). She is survived by her grandchildren, Bradley Rosenthal, Deanne (Rosenthal) Wortman, Emily (Rosenthal) Judd, Benjamin Ziemer, Erin (Ziemer) Frush, Hannah (Kirkeide) Bymaster and Samuel Kirkeide, and by multiple great grandchildren. She is survived by her half-sister, Audrey Mae (Luebke) Murphy. 

The family is deeply grateful to Julie Johnson, who tirelessly gave herself to caring for Gerry for the last years of her life. Also, to the nurses of Preceptor Hospice who helped Gerry be comfortable during her last days. And, to the staff of Courtyard in Oshkosh. Gerry will be interred at Community Lutheran Cemetery in Freedom, WI. The family will hold a private graveside service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Doctors Without Borders.