Gerry B. (Buchman) Shimkus

Gerry Shimkus, age 85, died at Ridgewood Care Center on Sunday November 29, 2009, with family present. She was born October 18, 1924, in Racine, the daughter of Harold and Bertha (Nee: Neuman) Buchman.

Gerry was a graduate of William Horlick High School. On June 7, 1947, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church she married George J. Shimkus. A lifelong member St. Joseph’s Church she was a member of the Christian Mothers Society and a Girl Scout leader; she led her troop to earn the Marian Award, Catholic Girl Scouts' highest honor.

Gerry was employed by Western Printing before her marriage. After marriage, her work with children brought her much joy. She taught pre-school at Douglas Park, Family Service, and for over 30 years at Jack and Jill. She ran volleyball groups for women and for couples through the City of Racine. She enjoyed playing schafskopf with friends even while living at Ridgewood.

Gerry is survived by her daughters, Sandy Sus of Racine and Judy (Bryan) Krist of Wisconsin Dells; her grandchildren, Kris Sus of Racine, Kim (Brian) Wilson of Medford, Joe Kirkorian and Tina Gilbertson both of Racine. She was the beloved great-grandma “Gigi” of Beth and Alex Wilson of Medford, Andrew Gilbertson, Emily and Gracie Lunceford, all of Racine. She is further survived by her sister-in-law, Ann (Richard) Nevin; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends who were all her “family.” Her love, her humor and care will be greatly missed. She was preceded in death by her parents;, her husband; sisters, Evelyn Schleper and Joyce Ingle; son-in-law, John Sus; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Joseph (Stella) Shimkus, John (Carmella) Shimkus and Marie (George) Butgereit.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, December 2, 2009, at 6 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1533 Erie St., with Rev. John D. Aiello officiating. Interment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Wednesday at the church from 4 p.m. until time of Mass.

Our family wants to thank so many who helped care for Gerry including Ridgewood Care Center nurses and CNA’s on 1 West, Evercare’s N.P. Mary Pinzl, Odyssey Hospice, and longtime caregiver, Robert Gullberg, M.D.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888