Geralean McLaughlin, 98, formerly of Donahue and Eldridge, died Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Kahl Home in Davenport.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 15, at Faith Lutheran Church in Eldridge. Lunch will be served following the service. Private interment will be at Allen’s Grove Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Faith Lutheran Church.
Geralean Viola Thompson was born Oct. 22, 1924, in Lake City, S.D., the daughter of Paul and Cora (Iverson) Thompson. She grew up near Brittan, S.D. Geralean met Leo McLaughlin while working for his family, and they were married on Jan. 4, 1945. The couple moved to Rock Island, where they started their family. They later settled in Donahue, having purchased farmland. They farmed until retirement, moving to Eldridge. Leo passed away in 2004.
Geralean had been a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Dixon, and more recently was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church in Eldridge. She taught Sunday School for many years, and always participated in the women’s ministries. Geralean enjoyed sewing and was an excellent seamstress. She made many bridesmaids’ and wedding dresses, and was skilled in working with stretch-n-sew fabric and making leather purses. She also enjoyed quilting with her best friend, Ardelle.
Surviving are her children, Donna Knapper of Davenport, and Patrick McLaughlin of Union; grandchildren, Jeff (Carey) Knapper, Gina Guajardo, Clint, Ryan, and Nick McLaughlin; four great-grandchildren; a son-in-law, Gary (Connie) Rohwer; many nieces and nephews; and Wendy Kraft.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her daughter, Dianne Rohwer, son-in-law, Gary Knapper, granddaughter, Jane Knapper, siblings, Marvin, Lorraine, Edna, and Carol, and her special friends, Ardelle Kraft and Elda Ewoldt.
Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.
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