Geraldine J. Kultgen “Gerry”, age 81, passed away Saturday, March 12, 2022 at Ellen’s Home in Port Washington, Wisconsin.
She was born June 11, 1940 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin to Robert and Adeline Lauters Stone. Growing up in Port Washington she graduated from Port Washington High School. She went to Sheboygan Falls Teachers College and then the University of Wisconsin in Oshkosh earning her Bachelor’s Degree. She began teaching in a small school in Ada in Sheboygan County and once took her students by train to Port Washington to the library.
Gerry married Raymond Kultgen at St. Mary’s Church in Port Washington, Wisconsin on June 8, 1963. They made their home on West Monroe Street and she taught and subbed primarily as an elementary school teacher in the Port Washington Saukville School District for over 30 years. After retiring she was a member of the Ozaukee County Retired Educators Association.
She was active in the Girl Scouts and taught CCD classes at both St. Mary’s Church and St. Peter of Alcantara Church for many years. She held several offices in the ARC Group for people with disabilities and helped at Portal, Inc. in Grafton, Wisconsin. Gerry enjoyed gardening and preserving the harvest to enjoy year round and was an excellent baker. She enjoyed swimming and travelling the world.
Gerry is survived by her husband Ray of Port Washington and children Dawn (Jim) Kroehn of Altoona, WI, Steven (Sherri) Kultgen of Port Washington, Lynne Kultgen of Port Washington, Denise (David) Odya of New Berlin, WI, Joseph (Carolyn) Kultgen of Astoria, NY and Valarie (David) Bartelme of Whitefish Bay, WI. She is further survived by 11 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, her sister Kathleen “Kitty” Piiwaa of San Carlos, CA, nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents and sisters Carol Rae Stone, Pat Finch and Roberta Hoffman.
The Rev. Patrick Wendt will Celebrate Mass of Christian Burial 1 pm Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at St. John XXIII Parish-St. Peter of Alcantara Church, 1800 N. Wisconsin St. Port Washington, WI. Interment St. Mary’s Cemetery, Port Washington. Visitation 11 am – 1 pm Wednesday AT CHURCH prior to the Mass.
Special thanks to Ellen’s Home and Horizon Hospice for their kindness and care of Gerry.
Memorials to Portal Inc. (https://www.portalinc.org), the Special Olympics (https://www.specialolympics.org) or the Parkinsons Foundation (https://www.parkinson.org) in Gerry’s name appreciated
I was a neighbor and remember when she was gong to school to become a teacher. I also remember Carol and Roberta and I just realized I am related to the Finches. It’s a small world after all and we are all memories in the end.
We would like to offer our condolences on the passing of Geraldine . Ronald J . Holtslander Sr.and family. .
To Ray and family, God be with you. I shalll always miss my dear college and life long friend. I know she is now at peace in heaven with all of her departed friends and family. May Gerry’s big smile and warm heart live in your memories for ever.
On behalf of Portal, inc, may your memories of Gerry bring you peace and comfort. We so valued Gerry’s contribution of time, talents and support to our Agency.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you Raymond and your family. Our Sympathy Steve & Margaret
I will truly miss you Auntie Geri! Love Susie
She was a great Girl Scout Leader and an inspiration to me to follow her lead
My deepest sympathies to the family! I have fond memories of Gerry as she did substitute teaching at Thomas Jefferson Middle School. She was an excellent sub in my unit for special needs students.
Deb
So sorry to hear of the loss of this wonderful Gerry. As an Administrator of both TJ and DES, I could always check with her for any sub. or wherever I needed an excellent helper.
She will be so missed, and I will always remember what a great loss she will be greatly missed.