Geri Nelson

Geraldine “Geri” Nelson, 96 years old, passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2020 at Arbor Springs Care Facility in West Des Moines, Iowa. Private Services will be held for the family on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home with a burial following at Resthaven Cemetery. Geri was born on January 9, 1924 in Milwaukee and grew up in Seymour, Wisconsin. She graduated with a Chemistry and Zoology Degree from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois in 1946. In December of 1947 she married her husband Lowell. Geri worked in the Biochemistry Department at the University of Wisconsin and later worked for Stauffer Chemical Company in Adrian, Michigan as well as raising 5 very active children. Geri lived in many places after leaving Wisconsin; she resided in Washington, Oregon, California, Michigan, and Iowa before retiring in Arizona. She found great joy in cheering on the Packers and was a big Chicago Cubs fan as well. She lived life to the fullest and was always up for new activities! She enjoyed line dancing, pool tournaments, listening to music and singing as well as participating in the church choir in Sioux City. Geri loved to bake, she made everything from scratch and found great pleasure in sharing her creations. She never met a stranger and her outgoing personality earned her many special friendships, but above all she cherished time with her family. Those left behind to remember Geri include her children, Mike (Leslie) Nelson, Terry Smothers, Steve Nelson, Deb (Jeff) Klein, and John (Anne) Nelson; her grandchildren, Scott Nelson, Geoff (Tara) Nelson, Andy Smothers, Troy Smothers, Michelle (Dave) Omar, Jessica (Mark) Janssen,Kristin (Nate) Soriano, Joe (Leanna) Klein, Kevin (Sara) Klein, and Katie (Jake) Evenson; and nine great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lowell; son-in-law, Dean Smothers; half brothers, Robert and Hank Blankenburg, and great granddaughter, Elizabeth Evenson. The family wants to extend a special thank you to the staff at Arbor Springs for the loving care they provided Geri. Memorial contributions can be designated to the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences can be expressed at www.caldwellparrish.com