Geraldine M. Widmer, 84, of Kalona, formerly of Wayland, died Friday, July 3, 2020, at the Pleasantview Home in Kalona. A memorial service will be held Monday, July 13, 2020, at 10 a.m. at Sugar Creek Mennonite Church in Wayland, Iowa, with Pastor Rachelle Luitjens officiating. Burial will follow at the Sugar Creek Cemetery. Social distancing guidelines will be enforced. A memorial fund has been established for Sugar Creek Mennonite Church or Iowa City Hospice.
Geraldine Marie “Gerry” Widmer was born July 19, 1935, in Parnell, Iowa, the daughter of Jonas and Gertrude (Bender) Gnagey. She attended Greene Center School and Iowa Mennonite School. Prior to marriage she worked at the University of Iowa Hospital and the Bakerite Bakery and Service-U-Well Café in Kalona. On Feb. 5, 1965, she was united in marriage to Dale Widmer at First Mennonite Church in Iowa City. After their marriage she helped Dale raise turkeys.
She was a member of the Sugar Creek Mennonite Church where she served on WMSC and she volunteered at The Crowded Closet. Gerry enjoyed crocheting, gardening, collecting dishes, fruit jars and books. Gerry was an excellent baker with her specialties including cinnamon rolls, and pies and she was also well known for her ladyfinger popcorn and pickles. Gerry had an extensive four-leaf clover collection and her most treasured times were spent with her children and grandchildren.
Survivors include her husband: Dale of Kalona; three children: Sheryl (Randy) Hoyt of Kalona, Julia (Larry) Miller of Frytown, and Monte Widmer of Riverside; 17 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters: Gladys Gnagey and Delores Leichty of Kalona; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Preceding Gerry in death were her parents; son-in-law: Jeff Schlabach; brother: Russell and wife Lydia Gnagey; and a brother-in-law: Mahlon Leichty.
The Beatty Peterseim Funeral Home is assisting the family.
