JANESVILLE— Geraldine “Gerry” Elizabeth Kelly Quaerna passed away at home on Wednesday, June 13, 2018, surrounded by her loving family, from complications of IBM (Inclusion Body Myositis). She was born October 4, 1935, the daughter of Robert W. Kelly and Gladys Yale Kelly Kriehn. She had 8 siblings; Joanne Hanthorn (deceased), Carmelita Gloede, Dick, Barbara DeVoe, Peggy Sadler, Rosemary Woodrell, Tommy, and Betty Jane Meyer (deceased).
Gerry graduated from Janesville High School in 1953. She married David Charles Quaerna, October 27, 1956, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Janesville. They resided in Janesville until 1961.
She was employed at Parker Pen Company and later at DQ Realty in Wisconsin Rapids, which she owned with her husband, David. Gerry lived in many places during her life: Barron, WI, while her husband was a teacher; Beloit, WI; Wisconsin Rapids, WI; St. Augustine, FL; Gladwin, MI; Spooner, WI; and Janesville, WI , where she had resided for the past 21 years. Gerry and David, moved to Wausau, WI for 6 months to the home of her daughter, Nancy and son-in-law, Dan for needed care, moving back to Janesville in 2013.
Gerry worked at Parker Pen from 1953 to 1957 where she was crowned Miss Pennett and served as a Pennett Ambassador. She attended Mid State Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids, volunteered with the Wisconsin Rapids Hospital Auxiliary, was a member of the Janesville Mercy Hospital Auxiliary, and belonged to the Women’s Health Initiative as well as the Myosotis Association. She was a member of St. William Catholic Church in Janesville, WI.
Gerry enjoyed painting with watercolors, sculpting, and interior design. She wrote a book of her life’s adventures for her beloved children, their families, and friends as well. Gerry’s favorite quote is from her favorite person, Hilary Clinton.
“I have been loved and gave love and the rest is just background music”. Her greatest and most rewarding achievements in her life were in sharing a part of raising 4 wonderful daughters and gaining 4 endearing sons in law: Roxanne (Jerry) Hemmerling, Janesville, WI, Jayne (Scott) Wenzel, Hudson, WI, Nancy (Dan) Varline, Wausau, WI and Bobbi Jo (Jeff) Campbell, Columbus, WI. Her current joys were spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren: Rachael Booth (husband, Jeff and children, Thomas and Walter), Phillip Hemmerling (wife, Taryn and daughter, Lily), Claire Kuschel (husband, Patrick), Logan Wenzel, Meg Wenzel, Connor Wenzel, Benjamin Varline, William Varline, Harrison Varline, Jackson Varline, Alexander Campbell, McKinley Campbell and Sofia Campbell and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Kelly; mother, Gladys Yale Kelly Kriehn; stepfather, Hamilton Kriehn; 2 sisters, Betty Jane Kelly Meyer and Joanne Kelly Hanthorn; 5 dear brothers in law, Robert Gloede, Norm Sadler, Harold (Woody) Woodrell, George Hanthorn and Harlen DeVoe; and 2 nephews, Ronny and Jody. Gerry has a message for all of you reading this. “When I’m in Heaven with the angels, you know that I will be happy somehow.
Remember me through my children and always know that they were my great pride and joy. You will miss me but time will heal your pain. Enjoy your life each and every one and I will meet you in heaven when you come”.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 19, 2018, at ST. WILLIAM CATHOLIC CHURCH in Janesville, WI. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY is assisting the family. The family would like to express special thanks to Agrace Hospice and all other caregivers, they were a blessing. Memorials are preferred to Care For All Endowment, Agrace Foundation.
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