Service Details
Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Friday, JANUARY 30, 2026, for a visitation from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm.
A service honoring and celebrating her life will follow at 12:00 pm.
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, Cheryl’s family has suggested memorials to the Wisconsin Humane Society https://www.wihumane.org/ or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/
Racine – Cheryl Kay Gedemer passed away on January 13, 2026. She was born in Racine, Wisconsin, on November 29, 1954, to Donald Vaillancourt and Carol (née Christianson).
Cheryl was a graduate of Washington Park High School, Class of 1972. In 1975, she graduated from Marquette University with a degree in Dental Hygiene, a profession she practiced with care and dedication throughout her working life. She married Thomas Gedemer, also of Racine, on June 12, 1976.
Cheryl was a true renaissance woman. In addition to being a proficient dental hygienist, she was a gifted interior designer, a skilled gardener, and a highly capable small business office manager who helped support her husband’s electrical contracting business. She also loved music, yoga, comedy, and a well-made Cosmopolitan.
More than anything, Cheryl loved her family. She was a loving daughter, sister, cousin, wife, mother, godmother, aunt, and grandmother. She thought of her family constantly, and there was simply nothing she wouldn’t do to ensure they were happy, supported, and loved. This devotion extended to her furry family members as well. She was a devoted dog mom to Eddie and Holly, and a proud grandmother to Maple, Robin, and Dottie.
Cheryl is survived by her husband, Thomas; her brother, Gary (Joy) Vaillancourt; her son, Grant; her daughter, Rachel Gedemer (Steve) Hueffner; her grandchildren, Henry Hueffner, Gus Hueffner, and Mae Hueffner; and her niece and goddaughter, Noelle Vaillancourt. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, and many extended family members who loved her deeply. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carol and Donald Vaillancourt; her nephew, Nick Vaillancourt; and her brother-in-law, James Gedemer.
Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Friday, JANUARY 30, 2026, for a visitation from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm. A service honoring and celebrating her life will follow at 12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, Cheryl’s family has suggested memorials to the Wisconsin Humane Society https://www.wihumane.org/ or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/
The family extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Bylow and the staff of Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin’s Center for Advanced Care for their compassion, guidance, and professionalism.
Joyele Tabora says
Dear Gedemer Family ,
I was so saddened to hear about Cheryl passing. Thank you Rachel for letting me know.
She was one classy lady. I will never forget her her kindness, and the love for her family she will be remembered fondly by me always… I am going to try to get off work to come, but I had off last week so I’m not sure I will be able to come to the service.
Love you,
Joyele
Paul and Laurine Gedemer says
Tom, Rachel , Grant and Grandchildren,
So sorry for the loss of your Wife,Mother ,and Grandmother .She will be missed by all of us. We have so many fond memories of her, that we will always remember.
We will keep her ,and all of you ,in our thoughts and prayers .
Love,
Paul , Laurine and Family
Ann Kirkwood and Family says
Sending prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Cheryl Gedemer🙏🏾May God surround you with perfect peace ☀️
Ken Rubin says
Tom,
Learning of Cheryl’s passing brought me to her joy filled voice and extremely pleasant personality.. The loss of a lifetime partner represents an unimaginable absence but experience predicts a wealth of love filled days that will bring a smile as your journey continues..
Wishing you strength on challenging days and peace.
Rick Fohr says
Tom,
My deepest sympathy and sadness I send to you , your Kids, your Family, and all your Loved ones, for the passing of your Beautiful Wife Cheryl, She touched so many lives thru Her Kindness, Compassion, and Her very Loving Spirit. Cheryl will be remembered and missed by all of us.
Take time to grieve and remember all the Great Memories.
You are all in my Thoughts and Prayers, and may God Bless you all during this very difficult time.
Rick Fohr
Cindy Koenig says
Dear Tom and family,
I was so saddened to hear of Cheryl’s passing. I was fortunate to know her over the years that we both worked at Dr. Becker’s office. She was kind and compassionate and had a true love for her family and fur babies. Her smile lit up the room when she would talk about them. Her talent for design and fashion was exceptional. I loved seeing all her beautiful window displays at St. Luke’s gift shop. She definitely had many talents. I wish I lived closer to be able to attend. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you be surrounded in all the loving memories that your share.
Kevin Christianson says
When my brother Tim called to inform me of your death from breast cancer, I was shocked, overwhelmed, and crushed. For a few years now I’ve intended to have a chat with you bout our parents and experiences growing up in their households. We only had a few minutes at past funerals for this topic to come up but not be adequately explored. Something else always got in the way of my making that call – and I fell prey to the illusion that death was a hundred years from now. I wish I knew about your breast cancer sooner, even if I wouldn’t be allowed in the Cancer Ward for a visit due to immunity stuff and risk of complications. Oh, Cheryl – you were Racine’s own Cher whom you adored as a child/young teenager. You even “shared” some of her facial features and of course hair color. You were an outstanding mother and wife, guide and mentor to your children, dental hygienist and helpmate to Tom and his electric company. This is difficult for me. I’m the one who should die first – not loved ones younger than I. RIP.
Karen Peltier says
I was very sad to learn of Cheryl‘s passing. I extend my deepest sympathy to Tom and all of the family. Cheryl was a beautiful lady and such a joy to wait on at the grocery store and it was also a joy to see her at the accountants office back in the day. I will be praying for all of you. She will be deeply missed.