Geraldine Keipert

 Geraldine Keipert, born on May 7, 1929, in Chicago, IL, was called to her eternal home on January 17, 2025, quietly in her own home, just as she hoped. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, William, “Bill” Harry Keipert of 39 years, her loving parents, Edward and Amelia Peterson, her beloved sister, Joan Scheide, dearly loved first grandson, Steven James Keipert, and dearly loved son in law, Dennis E. Degen. Born just a few months before the “Crash of 29,” she learned to live simply and humbly. Her doors were always open with the inviting aroma of coffee brewing and usually a freshly baked treat. She welcomed everyone, just as her grandmother had done. She loved her family. She made a special occasion record of each person’s birthday and each couple’s anniversary date and always sent a card/gift to each of us honoring the day. All “new” family members were added and received the same equal billing. She especially loved all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Sleepovers at her house were lined with lots of goodies, games including hide and seek and Mickey Mouse pancakes were served the following morning. She cuddled with each grandchild on her backyard swing on warm summer days. She loved to share her stories with them and they hold those memories dear. After Bill’s death, she planned annual family vacations in Twin Lakes, WI. And took many trips to Texas to see Jim, Karen and Steve, Crystal, Katie, and Cole. She was a life long learner. Always tackling something new, including a computer and an accounting class in her 60’s. Talents and hobbies included sewing, upholstering, gardening, baking, candy making (we all remember her peanut butter balls and fudge), knitting…the list goes on and on. She loved card games and board games. She was immensely competitive, taking all the triple spaces in Scrabble! She was a loving daughter, watching over her parents as they aged and making their celebrations memorable. When Bill had a devastating stroke, she never left his side. Cared for him lovingly and competently for over 3 years. She was a true source of comfort to her sister, Joan who had dementia, speaking gently and calmly to ease her fears or distress. After Bill’s death in 1989 she worked as a volunteer coordinator at Christ Hospital and treasured the friendships made there. The Huck Finn restaurant was a frequent hang out after work. She traveled to the Black Hills and Branson, Missouri with her girlfriends from work. Her strong quiet faith sustained her through all the trials and tragedies that she faced and the example she set for us has a very high bar. She accepted everyone. She lived out her faith with very few words. She listened but passed no judgement. Her last church was St Paul Lutheran in Oak Lawn and is remembered for her genuine smile and courageous spirit. She is survived by her four children; Marilyn J. Degen (the late Dennis), James W. Keipert (Karen nee Hudacek), Eileen C. Comrie (Eric), Janice M. Eberhardt (Thomas). Her grandchildren; the late Steven (Crystal), Timothy (Lois), Matthew (Quin), Jessica (Jon), Heather (Thomas), William (Kelvin), Eva, and Michael. Her great grandchildren; Michael (Katie), Chris, Katie, Katelyn, Coleman, Jonah, Johannah, Thomas, Bridgette, Hannah, Abigail, and Joshua. Her great great grandchildren; Madison, Kamryn, and Rylee. And many cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews. The Wake will be held on January 31, 2025, at Kosary Funeral Home at 9837 S. Kedzie Ave. Evergreen Park, IL 60805 from 4 pm-8 pm. The Celebration of the Life of Geraldine “Gerry” will take place on February 1, 2025, at 10 am at St Paul Lutheran Church 4660 W. 94th St in Oak Lawn, IL 60453 followed by the interment at Bethania Cemetery at 7701 S. Archer Rd. Justice, IL 60458In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/give.html