Geraldine “Jeri ” Clarke

Geraldine (Holton) Clarke was born on October 2, 1933 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of the late Frank and Alice Holton. Geraldine (affectionately called Jeri), made her heavenly transition October 12, 2023 at the Lawlis Hospice facility.

Jeri graduated from St. Benedict grade school, and Messmer high school. Shortly after, she met and married David A. Clarke Sr. on April 24, 1953.  To this union they had five children. Jeri worked as a school librarian for Hawthorne middle school in Milwaukee.

Jeri loved to stay abreast of current events and one of her main interests was reading newspapers, especially the New York Times. She also enjoyed relaxing and reading library books, watching her favorite PBS television programs and spending time with family, especially her 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. She also loved to travel.

Jeri loved education, especially history, and strongly encouraged her children throughout their Catholic school education.   She was a strong proponent for them to strive to be the best that they could be in whatever area or line of work that they chose.

Jeri had a strong Catholic faith, and it was of prime importance for her to take her children to church every Sunday.

Jeri leaves to cherish her memory: her beloved husband of 70 years David Clarke Sr, daughter Julie (Dwayne) Bell of Grayslake, Illinois, son David Jr. (Julie)  Clarke of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, daughter Eileen (Jerry) Barnes of Chanhassen, Minnesota and daughter Patricia (Carl) Nichols of Milwaukee Wisconsin. In addition to her immediate children, she leaves 12 grand-children, 14 great grand-children, a brother Michael (Mary Phil) Holton, a sister Carol Ann (Tom) Miller, special brother-in-law Paul Foster and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and life-long friends.

Jeri was preceded in death by her parents, her son John M. Clarke, her brothers Frank Holton, Charles Holton, and sisters Dolores Davis, Maureen Snead, and Mary Ellen Ringhand.

Visitation from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, followed by a service at 11:00 AM, on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.

Acknowledgement

The family of Geraldine Clarke wishes to thank Froedtert Community Hospital and Horizon Lawlis Hospice for their love and support during their time of bereavement. Knowing that one day, everyone will cross the same threshold. It is comforting to know that in their time of need, there are special people like you to support and encourage them through this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking donations be made to the Horizon Lawlis Hospice facility in Mequon, Wisconsin as a special thanks for the wonderful care given to Jeri during her hospice journey.

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