Joanna C. Geerts
April 6, 1925 ~ January 11, 2012
Joanna C. Geerts, age 86, of North Washington, IA passed away on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at New Hampton Nursing and Rehab Center in New Hampton surrounded by her family. Joanna Catherine Schwickerath was born April 6, 1925, the eldest child of Alfred and Josephine (Mishak) Schwickerath. Born and raised in the North Washington area, she went one year to a one-room school house in Devon, then attended St. Mary’s School in North Washington until leaving to stay home to help her mother. She was a life-long member of Immaculate Conception Parish and Rosary Society. She was united in marriage to Elmer Geerts on November 12, 1947 and to that union three children were born. They farmed in the area until 1959, when they moved into North Washington and lived for 45 years. They shared a passion for fishing; from shore, in a boat and on the ice. They were dedicated custodians and grounds keepers for the parish for 13 years. Joanna also loved camping with family and friends, dropping in on family to help work on whatever they were doing and was an avid gardener. She continued to manage her own considerable yard, including beautiful flowers, trees and 117 evergreen shrubs, she lovingly trimmed and cared for until suffering a stroke in 2004. She moved to Kensington Place at that time and then into The New Hampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center where she felt and was treated like part of the family. Joanna is survived by her three children, David (Donna) Geerts of North Washington, Gary (Nylene) Geerts of Denver, IA and Gladys (John) Christoph of New Hampton; two brothers, Robert (Marlys) Schwickerath, Cletus (Eleanor) Schwickerath; two sisters, Bernice Felder and Alice (Herb) Carpenter; 13 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Elmer; daughter-in-law, Judy Geerts; grandsons-in-law, Gordon Settje and Bruce Crooks and in-laws, Ray Felder, Paul and Helen Geerts, Louis and Catherine Geerts, Andrew Geerts and Everett Kruth.
Cemetery:
Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in North Washington.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
with a 4:30pm rosary and a 7:00pm scriptural wake service at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in New Hampton. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the mass on Saturday.
at Immaculate Conception Church in North Washington with Father Mark Osterhaus celebrating.
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Gladys and family, our sympathy with thoughts and prayers.
Gladys and family, our sympathy with thoughts and prayers.
Gladys, so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. Our thoughts and prayers go with you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I had alot of fun at their house in NW growing up. Now Elmer and Joanna are together again as the fond memories of them are in our thoughts. Love, Jeanne
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of your mother.
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
You have our sincere sympathy for the loss of your mother. Cherish your memories until you meet again.
Dave, we are sorry to her about your mother.
Our sympathy and warmest thoughts are with you now.
We love you, take care.
Dennis and Lorraine
Joann was a wonderful neighbor to Mom, Winnie for many years. Helping with Mom’s big yard and garden. She will be missed by all who knew her. My prayers and sympathy are with you all.
My prayers and love are with you. What a beautiful lady God gifted you with. Treasure your memories of the time you have shared together. “Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” John 11:26 The Promise of Christ
My prayers and thoughts are with all of you during this sad time. May all your good memories help you get through this sad time.
Our thoughts and prayers to the Joanna Geerts family.
You have our deepest sympathy. May you find peace
in the memories you share.
So sorry for your loss. May you join Elmer in peace and happiness. Memories serve us well.
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to help care for your mom. She was a special lady. You have our sympathy
Thinking of you in your time of sorrow
To the family of Joanna,
Joanna was a very special person. She will be greatly missed along with that great smile of hers! Thoughts and prayers go out to your family from mine. NHNR will not be the same without her.
Tisha, Jason, Lanie, and Kaylee Morris
Dave, Gary, and Gladys We are deeply sorry for the passing ofJoanna. Keep the good memories forever in your heart.
David, I was sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I hope that in the coming months that all of you find peace in your memories of what a great mom you had.
Roxanne
I could always remember I never had to ask her what she wanted to drink in was always the same thang when I worked at the nursing and rehab. She will be greatly missed.
Joanna was always loved by everyone. She has such a great personality and always a smile. It was truly an honor to care for her at the rehab center. She will always be in my heart. I am so sorry for your loss and will keep you in my prayers.
Our sympathy to the family of Joanna. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Louise and Donn
You have lost a great person in your family. Our sorrow to all of your family. Joanna was always so much fun to visit with, especially about gardening. She will be greatly missed by all of you and her friends. Keep her memory alive by sharing memories of her with everyone!
So sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. Your family is in my thoughts.
Gladys and family, So sorry to hear of the death of your mother. Mothers can never be replaced, but live in our hearts forever.
We are very sorry for your loss. Cherish your many memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
You all have my sincere sympathies in the passing of your mother and grandmother. She will be missed. I remember visiting with Joanna when I used to live in New Hampton. God will give you peace.