Geraldine E. Zieker
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Neptune Society of Northern California - Stockton1111 West Robinhood Dr., Suite B-1
neptune-society@stei.com |
Tribute & Message From The Family
Geraldine (Geri) E. Zieker passed away on August 12th. Geri was born in Liminga, Michigan to Erick and Edna (Westerberg) Ylitalo. She graduated from Houghton High School in 1955. Geri married the love of her life, Bill Zieker in the late 50's. Bill and Geri moved to Stockton in 1962. Geri enjoyed many years of being a homemaker while Bill pursued his Civil Engineering career with Cal Trans. Geri blossomed into quite a seamstress making many of her own clothes. Geri was an amazing cook and especially enjoyed making her perfect pie crust. Geri stayed committed to her mother, father and brother who remained living in Northern Michigan. Geri's devotion to her cherished daughters, Penny and Lianne was enduring. Geri and Bill raised their daughters in the Lutheran faith and believed strongly that faith for their daughters was of high importance. Geri eventually pursued a career at the University of the Pacific that spanned over 28 years. Her job at UOP was of immense importance and source of pride. Geri especially enjoyed the interaction with the students and activities surrounding the campus. Geri constantly strived to improve herself as evidenced by the classes she enrolled in at San Joaquin Delta Jr. College and UOP. Even though Geri relocated to California 50 years ago, she remained enamored with her home and loved vacationing yearly back in the "Copper Country" and picnicking on Lake Superior. Geri also enjoyed folk music watching a good movie and dancing with her beloved Bill. Geri was a member of Michigan Tech Wives Club and the Manteca chapter of the Red Hat Society. Prior to Bill's death in 2008, Geri's devotion to Bill was once again illustrated by her unyielding efforts as Bill's caretaker. Geri was also preceded in death by her brother Clyde and her parents. Geri remained a devoted mother to her children, Penny (Joe) Rocha and Lianne (Steve) Vea. Geri was a loving grandmother to Joe Rocha, Jr., Jeffrey Rocha and Andrew Lepe. A private service will be held with burial at the Liminga Cemetery in Michigan. Donations can be made in honor of Geri's name to the hospice of San Joaquin or your local Hospice chapters.
Condolence & Memory Journal
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Life Stories
Happy 75th birthday Mom............
Thank you for always being my net of support. Thank you for teaching me to be strong and independent. Everything good that I am has come from your efforts. You were the best Mom in the world. You can now enjoy dancing with Dad in Heaven. I love you for always mom,
Penny
I will remember Aunt Geri as a petite lady with a big heart. She had a knack for finding just the right gifts. I still use the Foreman grill she and Uncle Billy gave us as a wedding present. I recently used the Mickey Mouse duffle bag to pack my son's booster seat on an airplane, and I wear the green UOP sweatshirt every St. Patrick's Day. The best gift she gave me was a phone call last December. She sounded very happy and was looking forward to Christmas dinner at Penny's house. She was even cracking jokes in her sweet "Yooper" accent.
I admire the dedication and care she provide Uncle Bill as his health declined. In my last conversation with him he said "Geri is a Saint". I know she missed him very much after he passed, and undoubtedly they are happy to be reunited.
My thoughts and prayers go out to her family as they prepare to take her home to the Copper Country.
Yours, with love and sympathy, Susan
August 25, 2012