Gwendolyn (Gwen) M. Geraets, age 53, of Elmwood, WI, passed away Saturday May 27, 2023, at United Hospital in St. Paul, MN after a lengthy battle with multiple infections.
Gwen was born February 28, 1970, in River Falls to Robert W. and Kathleen H. (Schmidt) Geraets. She grew up on the family farm in the Waverly area of rural Elmwood. Gwen graduated from Elmwood High School in 1988 and continued her education at UW-River Falls where she obtained degrees in Journalism and Geography.
She was active in 4H and co-led the Rock Elm Skyrockets for numerous years, alongside her mother Kathy. Her favorite past times included watching anything Tom Hanks related, and creating stamped cards with her sister, Susan. She loved anything art related.
Gwen lived at Welcome Home in Elmwood, WI and held a position with them as their Activities Director. She loved planning projects and games for the residents. In addition to assisting at Welcome Home, Gwen managed the accounts for Dahl Well Drilling and The Pump House in Downing, WI.
Gwen’s passion for the arts and helping others followed her throughout her life. She was an amazing painter and could see potential in just about anything. She had a knack for bringing life back into old worn-out items and making them beautiful again. She loved sharing her talents with her nephews and gifting her treasures to others. Her desire to put others first was evident even while she was struggling with her own health issues in the hospital. From her hospital bed, she directed her sister, Tina, to send out graduation cards and gifts.
Gwen is survived by her parents, Robert & Kathleen Geraets of Elmwood, WI; siblings, Tony (partner, Jaci Draper) Geraets of Elmwood, WI; Nick (Stacey) Geraets of Roberts, WI, Tina Riner of Apple Valley, MN; sister-in-law Sheri Geraets of Spring Valley, WI; nieces Amber Lange of Somerset, WI; Megan Geraets of Spring Valley, WI; nephews Max Geraets (his fiancé Sally) and their son, Maverick of Elmwood, WI; Alexander and Sebastian Riner of Apple Valley, MN; goddaughters Kelli Zimmer of Glen Flora and Allison Ziemer of Durand, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives and friends.
Gwen was preceded in death by her brother Jim Geraets (2022), sister Susan (2016), sister-in-law Julie Geraets (2009), grandparents Leo & Elsie Schmidt and Lawrence & Pearl Geraets and multiple other family members.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pierce County 4H.
Celebration of Life services will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 PM Sunday, June 4, 2023, at the Elmwood Auditorium with a prayer service at 3:00 PM. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery-Farm Hill.
Condolences to the family may be made online at www.rhielfuneralhome.com
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Elmwood is serving the family.
