Geraldine E. Bjelland, age 79, of Tomahawk, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, at Milestone Senior Living under the care of Ascension Health at Home Hospice, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Gerry was born on Feb. 8, 1941, in Larimore, N.D., the second of five children of the late Daniel and Inez (Davidson) McCabe.
Gerry’s family moved to Palos Hills, Ill., where she spent her childhood and remained until 1973, when she moved to Tomahawk. Gerry was an avid gardener and her yard was always meticulously kept. She crocheted hundreds of blankets, loved to cook and bake, and her family always looked forward to her homemade pizza on Christmas Eve. Gerry was a true caregiver to her family, as well as spending over 20 years at Riverview Terrace Nursing Home caring for residents and ensuring they were entertained and the facility was kept clean. She also volunteered her time as a foster grandparent at Copper Lake School (Lincoln Hills).
Gerry is survived by her special friend, Joe Frigo; three sons, Robert (Lisa) McAllister, Jr., Ronald (Lori) McAllister, and Richard McAllister; three sisters, Patricia Rusnik, Mary Seitzinger, and Kathy (Terry) MacDonald. Gerry is further survived by her grandchildren, Amber Belling, Duane (Megan) Belling, Gary Belling, Daniel (Kendy) McAllister, Bryn McAllister, Morgan McAllister, Casie McAllister, Jordan McAllister, and Mitch McAllister; and her great-grandchildren, Nile, Madalyn, Brooklyn, Oliver, and Levi.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Inez; her late husbands, Robert McAllister, Sr., and Frank Bjelland; her daughter, Rose Belling; her brother, Leo McCabe; her sister, Laurie Koput; and her brother-in-law, Robert Rusnik.
Memorial services for Geraldine Bjelland will be held on Friday, Oct. 9, 2020, at 11 a.m. at Generations Funeral Home, Tomahawk, adhering to social distancing guidelines. Deacon Dave Bablick will officiate. The family will receive friends for visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m.
Generations Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. View Gerry’s obituary and leave online condolences at www.generationsfuneral.com.