Geraldine "Gerri" Guza

Geraldine Lorraine Guza, affectionately known as "Gerri" to her friends and family, was a beacon of love and kindness whose light shone brightly throughout her life. Born on March 21, 1946, in Milwaukee, WI, Gerri's journey was one of compassion, creativity, and unwavering dedication to her loved ones. She passed away on March 29, 2024, in Saukville, WI, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and generosity that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Gerri was a woman of many talents and interests. She found joy and solace in the simple pleasures of life, such as reading a good book, crocheting a warm blanket, sewing a beautiful garment, crafting something special, baking delicious treats, and putting together puzzles. But above all, her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and family, creating memories that would become their most cherished treasures.

Her life was a testament to the power of love. Gerri's marriage to her late husband, Kenneth Guza, was a profound partnership that set the foundation for a loving family. Together, they raised three wonderful children: Cheryl, Dale, and Michael. Gerri's spirit thrived in her role as a mother, and she poured her heart into nurturing and guiding her children with gentle wisdom and endless patience. The family circle expanded with the arrival of her beloved granddaughters, Carrie-Chanel, Taylor, Eva, Athena, and Simone. Each of them was a unique spark in Gerri's life, and she took immense pride in their every achievement and dream. Her guidance was a compass for their futures, her love their anchor. Gerri's own family of origin, while those she has joined in passing—her sister Judy Balistreri, twin brother Gerald Johannsen, and her parents Lorraine and Elmer Johannsen—had instilled in her the values of kindness and thoughtfulness that she so effortlessly embodied throughout her life.

To describe Gerri as loving, kind, and thoughtful is to capture only a glimpse of the profound impact she had on those around her. In every stitch she crocheted, every page she turned, and every life she touched, Gerri left a piece of her heart. Her legacy is not just in the tangible things she created but in the intangible essence of her spirit. As we reflect on the life of Geraldine Lorraine Guza, let us carry forward the light she has left behind. Let her story remind us that in the tapestry of life, it is love and kindness that bind us together, creating a pattern more beautiful than we could ever imagine on our own. Gerri's journey may have come to a close, but her influence will continue to motivate and uplift us, encouraging us to live with the same grace and compassion she embodied every day.

A celebration of Gerri's life will be held at Pat's Oak Manor (1804 15th Ave., South Milwaukee) on Sunday June 9th from 3:30-7PM.