Geraldine May Katzmarek

On February 19, 2024, our beloved mother and grandmother Geraldine "Gerry" (Soltys) Katzmarek, age 94, completed her mission on this earth. Her mission was to love and serve her Lord, her family and friends, in that order. Gerry was born in Northeast Minneapolis to Polish immigrants; she lost her parents at a young age, and was raised by her 3 older siblings and her dear Aunt Bernice Malecki. She married the love of her life, Gene Katzmarek, on October 4, 1952 and they spent 65 wonderful years together. Their first family home was in North Minneapolis. This is where all her 7 children were born. In 1965 they moved to Golden Valley and lived there until 1972 when they moved to Bloomington. This was her happy home where she enjoyed daily walks in the neighborhood, pool parties with the Bloomington gang and feeding her feathered friends. After the children were grown, she decided to go back to school herself. She attended The College of St. Catherine, and received a BA in Social Work in 1988. She always loved people, and wildlife. Her interest in butterflies grew to the point where she raised and released her own. At the lake, her favorite pastime was watching the nesting bluebirds, a hobby that she learned from their good friend Bob Phelps. She loved birds, butterflies, flowers and ice cream, but her whole life revolved around her precious family (large and extended). After Gene died in 2018, she moved to Cerenity Marian in St. Paul, and lived in her Independent Living apartment until her death. This is the first time she ever lived on her own, but was fortunate to have her friend of over seventy years, Harriet Welna, reside in the same building. She enjoyed listening to the live music there and sharing her favorite Dove chocolate with her friends. It was here at Cerenity that her mission became more focused on her Catholic faith. Her daily life centered around prayer. This included attending Mass as often as she could, praying the rosary daily, and participating in weekly adoration. She lived her life with love, faith, grace and kindness. She is preceded in death by beloved husband Gene, her wonderful parents Blaze and Regina Soltys, brother Thomas, sisters Lorraine Sitarz and Virgina Soltys. She leaves behind her loving family; Barbra Hanson, Gloria Boo Katzmarek (Peter), Charles (Mary), Brother Joseph Katzmarek, Jane (Randy) Barrett, Carol (Christopher) Gilbertson, Jim (Abby), 15 much-loved grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She has now passed on to her "heavenly bird sanctuary", joining her precious "Geno" in his "happy hunting grounds" on February 19, 2024. Celebration of Life will be Wednesday, May 8th (would have been her 95th birthday) from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm (words of remembrance at 6 pm) at Brookview Golden Valley, Bassett Creek South Room & Fairway Deck (2nd floor); 316 Brookview Parkway South, Golden Valley, MN 55426. In lieu of flowers, (which she loved) please consider a gift to the Franciscan Brothers of Peace Friary, St Paul MN

Tributes

Geraldine May Katzmarek

May 8, 1929 - February 19, 2024

Tributes

Geraldine May Katzmarek

May 8, 1929 - February 19, 2024

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