Geraldine Knoechel

Geraldine T. Knoechel, 89, better known as Jeri, of Eastport passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning hours of December 6, 2020 after spending Saturday surrounded by her loving family.  She was born June 27, 1931 in Plymouth, WI, the daughter of Roland and Eva (Schroeder) Tiedjens.

Jeri graduated from Wisconsin State College (now University of Wisconsin Milwaukee) in 1953 with her bachelor’s degree in Education.  She was a teacher and loving mother.  Jeri was a member of the Christian Science Church.

On August 22, 1953 in Wauwatosa, WI she married the Love of Her life, Edwin Lewis Knoechel.  They lived in Madison, WI at the time as Ed continued his Post-Graduate studies in Pharmacy at the University of Wisconsin – Madison and Jeri taught Elementary Education in the Madison Public School System.  In December of 1956, they welcomed their first Son, Richard into the family

When Ed graduated with his PhD Degree in Pharmacy in the August of 1958, Jeri and Ed moved to Kalamazoo, MI where Ed started a job with The Upjohn Company.

In October of 1958, Ed and Jeri welcomed their second son, Donald, into the family. Shortly thereafter they moved to Turwill Lane, which served as their home base for the next 33 years.  In 1992 they moved to Eastport to enjoy their final 28 years of life in beautiful northern Michigan.

Jeri was the “Quintessential Stay at Home Mother” and was dedicated to supporting her Husband’s career and raising her two sons.  She was an avid supporter of many of her Son’s and Grandchildren’s educational, sporting and other interests in and around Kalamazoo, the State of Michigan and across the Country.

Surviving Jeri are her sons and their spouses, Richard Lewis and Rebecca Knoechel and Donald James and Teresa Knoechel, grandchildren Kelly, Andrew, Kathryn and spouse Andy, Christine and Fiancé Jared and Samuel; four great grandchildren, Ashton, Eva and Elliana (Kelly) and Beckham (Kathryn, with a another great grandchild on the way).  She was preceded in death by her parents and her Brother, James Julius Tiedjens.

Arrangements have been handled by the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  A private family ceremony will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Parish Nurse Program, ℅ First Congregational Church, PO Box 326, Central Lake, MI 49622.

Please sign her online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.