Geraldine “Jerry” Mary (Hicks) Russmann, beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, was born in Omaha, Nebraska on August 9, 1936, to Ivan J. and Ruth (Johnson) Hicks. She passed away on January 25th at the age of 89.
She is survived by her life partner, Dennis Loland; children Ellen Holtz, Judy Griffin, Laurie (Tim) McNeil, James (Patricia) Russmann, Tom (Marita) Russmann and Chris (Kristie) Russmann; 18 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and siblings Joan (Terry) Holmes, Rosie (Denny) DeYoung, Alan (Diane) Hicks, Mary (Joe) McLaughlin, Paul Hicks and Andy (Theresa) Hicks; and numerous other family members and friends. All of us will carry forward her legacy of love, resilience, and deep devotion to family. We will forever cherish memories of her laughter, dancing, and countless games and conversations that filled our time together.
She was preceded in death by her former husband, Richard Russmann; children Kathy and Richard Jr.: grandchildren Kerrie (Holtz) Orzoco and Ryan McNeil; siblings Jay Hicks and Emily Bever; and sons-in-law Kevin Holtz and Steve Griffin.
Jerry loved to dance and wanted to share that joy with others by teaching line dancing, waltz, and two-step. She loved to play cards and marbles, and she especially loved to win.
She cherished time spent outdoors camping and fishing. She and Dennis spent many winters in Mission, Texas. Jerry wrote that she did not know the words to describe her love for Dennis.
Memorial contributions may be made in Geraldine’s name to: St. Patrick’s Church, 311 3rd Street Neola, Iowa 51559
The family wishes to send a special thank you to St. Croix Hospice for their care and compassion.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 31st at 10 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Neola. Family will greet friends on Friday, January 30th from 4 to 6 PM at the Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca followed by a wake service.
The Pauley Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
