Racine- Gerald “Jerry” F. Geoghan, 77, passed away at the Ruth Hospice in West Allis on Sunday, July 8, 2007. A lifetime resident, Jerry was born in Racine on November 27, 1929 to the late Jesse and Rose (nee: Gedemer) Geoghan. Attending Holy Name School, he went on to graduate from St. Catherine’s High School “Class of 1947”. Truly patriotic, Jerry served our Country with the United States Navy Reserve. On June 17, 1950 in Holy Name Catholic Church, he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Catherine T. Mueller. Jerry proudly served our Racine community as owner / operator of Geoghan Tire Co. on the corner of 12th St. and Washington Ave. He began working at the gas station at age 18 and worked there until his retirement on May 31, 1991. Jerry was a lifelong and active member of St. Richard of Chichester Catholic Church, formerly known as Holy Name. A fan of the arts, he was so involved in supporting local youth bands, serving as business manager of the Elks’ Cadets for many years. Losing his eyesight 10-years ago, Jerry enjoyed socializing with his friends of the Racine Pleasure Club for the Blind. He was a profound sports fan and was a gifted red geranium gardener. Above all, his life absolutely revolved around his family. Nothing came before his wife, children and grandchildren. Surviving are his loving wife of over 57 years, Catherine; their five daughters, Suzanne (David) Rich of Morgan Hill, CA; Mary Ellen Geoghan of Milwaukee; Patricia (Brian) Westrich of Racine; Barbara (David) Roettgen of Franklin and Judith (Leslie) Hunt of Racine; grandchildren, Kristen (husband, Chris Reidy) Rich, Michelle (Eric) Schwab, Andrew and Joseph Westrich; Christopher, Daniel, Tim and Jeff Roettgen; Holly, Leslie, Hillary and Mitchell Hunt; great-granddaughters, Calla and Lila Reidy; sister, Geraldine (Gilbert) Aguirre; brother, Donald (Marilyn) Geoghan; sister-in-law, Marie (Henry) Matykowski; nieces, nephews, other relatives and special friends. In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Eleanor (Frank) Lynch; and brothers-in-law, Lawrence (Geraldine) Mueller and Rev. Joseph Mueller. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 14, 2007 in St. Richard of Chichester Catholic Church, 1503 Grand Ave., at 10:00 am with Rev. Ronald J. Gramza and Rev. Cletus V. Uhen officiating. Entombment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery Mausoleum. Visitation will be at the church on Saturday from 8-10 am. Due to road construction on Grand Avenue, please enter the church parking lot off Villa Street. In memory of Jerry, memorials to St. Catherine’s High School or to the American Parkinson Disease Assn., Inc. – Wisconsin Chapter have been suggested. A heartfelt note of thanks to our family, friends and staffs of Froedtert Hospital and Ruth Hospice for all the compassionate care and continued support during these past years of Jerry’s courageous struggle with Parkinson’s and Dementia. Your many acts of kindness will always be remembered!
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