Geraldine "Gerry" R. Gilberg

Geraldine “Gerry” R. Gilberg passed away peacefully Sunday, December 28, 2025; daughter of the late Hans and Barbara Jess nee Roeder; beloved wife of the late Cleon W. Gilberg; dedicated mother of Janine (Jim) Guelker, David (Chelly) Gilberg, Brian (the late Tammy) Gilberg, Julie (Kevin) Henderson, and Jill (Brian) Gornall; grandmother of Joelle (Ray) Elking, Jerelyn (Eric) Valin, Chad (Fiancé Heather) Gilberg, Corey Gilberg, Christopher Gilberg, Tosha (David) Kerperien, Austin (Fiancé Sierra) Gilberg, Cameron Woods, Connor (Kayla) Woods, and Curtis (Emily) Woods, Kaitlin Gornall, Meaghan Gornall and Justin Gornall; great grandmother of Britt Valin, Brynn Valin, Brooke Valin, Cecilia Elking, Charlotte Elking, Claire Elking, Chloe Gilberg, Clayton Gilberg, Christian Gilberg, Kenzie Gilberg, Preston Gilberg, Annabel Kerperien, Drew Kerperien, Zephrya Gilberg, and Freyja Gilberg; relative and friend to many.

Gerry was a woman of grace, strength, and unwavering faith. She graduated from Carl Schurz High School in Chicago and continued her education at Northwestern University, always valuing learning and personal growth. Her devotion to faith began early; at just 15 years old, she started teaching Sunday School at Bethany Lutheran Church in Chicago, planting seeds of faith that would flourish throughout her life.

As an Army bride, Gerry embraced a life of resilience and adventure, sharing 70 beautiful years of marriage with her beloved Cleon. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, and cherished traditions. Her greatest joy was her family, and she poured her heart into nurturing and guiding them with kindness and wisdom.

Since 1958, Gerry was a cornerstone of Salem Lutheran Church, where her servant’s heart shone brightly. She was a girl scout leader and taught Sunday School, taught and played piano for worship, sang in the choir, served on the altar guild, and participated in the Mothers’ Club—always giving her time and talents to glorify God and uplift her community. She was also very active in the women’s Republican Club.

Gerry had a zest for life and a spirit of adventure. She delighted in traveling and exploring new places, with fond memories of journeys to Japan, Puerto Rico, and an unforgettable Alaskan cruise. Her life was a beautiful tapestry of faith, family, and friendship.

A special thank you to her Cedarhurst family and staff for many years of happy memories and also Blue Bird Home Care for their comfort and care.

She will forever be remembered for her unwavering faith, her boundless love for family, and her generous, joyful spirit—a legacy that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.