Geralyn Mae Wentorf, 98 passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at St. Monica’s Assisted Living.

Born in Holdrege, Nebraska on July 10, 1927 to the late Harold V. and Belva Mae (nee: Anderson) Erickson; the family later moved to Milwaukee, WI, when Gerry was 10 or 11.

Gerry earned her bachelor of science degree from The Stout Institute (now UW-Stout). It was in Menomonie at Stout, that she met her future husband Fritz (Fredrick G. Wentorf.) who preceded her in death on January 27, 2001.

She and Fritz raised 3 children and Gerry poured her energy, creativity, and love into every part of their lives. She shuttled the boys to Scouts, music lessons, swim team, and every sport or activity they pursued. She and Wendy shared a love of horses and Gerry made it possible for Wendy to learn to ride and eventually care for horses at their home. Many of the family’s most cherished memories were made in the kitchen. Gerry taught her children to cook and bake—bread, cookies, root beer, ice cream, pickles, bagels — and created a home where food was both a skill and a shared joy.

Gardening was her passion and she nurtured countless avocado seeds, tended flower and vegetable gardens, rooted stems and shared plants with anyone who wanted one. Her children and grandchildren still have thriving plants that trace back to her hands, a living legacy of her care.

Gerry was a dedicated educator in Home Economics with Racine Unified School district and Clothing, Food Service, textiles and other Home Ec related classes with Gateway Technical Institute. She brought the same patience, practicality, and warmth to her students that she brought to her own family.

She is survived by her children Eric (Susan) Wentorf, Kurt (Jane) Wentorf and Wendy (Cid) Owens; her grandchildren Erin McIntosh-Wentorf, Nicholas (Carissa) Wentorf, Jessica (Josh) Leslie, Emily Wentorf, Sophie Wentorf, Hanna Owens, Nathaniel Owens; and 14 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, Gerry is preceded in death by her sister Shirley Nooyen and brother Dix Erickson.

An outdoor celebration of life for Geralyn with family and friends—surrounded by birds, flowers, sunshine, and with Tucker (her best black dog friend)—will be held once the weather warms up. Private inurnment will take place in Country Haven Cemetery, Caledonia.