Geralyn Mary Steimle

Geralyn Mary Steimle, 87, was born to eternal life on October 16, 2024. Born December 12, 1936, in West Bend, Wisconsin, she spent her early years in rural West Bend, where she attended a one-room schoolhouse and lived with her mother and sister, Diane, on her grandparents’ farm. Her grandfather, Michael Peters, and uncle, Hugo Peters, were beloved father figures. Geralyn grew up with a much extended family nearby and had many happy memories and stories of holidays, hard work, and the joys and challenges of rural life. She loved her time in the one-room schoolhouse, where the children in all grades played together and shared much laughter and joy, especially in winter, with good-natured snowball fights and games of tag. Later, when she, her mother, and her sister moved into the city of West Bend, she attended Holy Angels Grade School. Following her 8th-grade graduation in 1951, she joined the School Sisters of St. Francis. She was invested into the School Sisters on June 13, 1954. That day she was given a new name and the religious habit of the order. Her birth name, Geraldine, was changed to Sr. Geralyn. She liked her name so much that, when she had the chance to return to her baptismal name in the 1960s, she kept Geralyn. Geralyn made final vows in 1962.

After graduating from high school with the School Sisters, she attended Alverno College, where she earned her B.A. While earning her degree, she was stationed in Rockford IL as a grade school teacher. She spent much of her ministry in the Rockford area. Returning to the Milwaukee area, Geralyn felt called to a new ministry and completed Clinical Pastoral Education certification to become a hospital chaplain. Although she left the School Sisters of St. Francis after 30+ years, she continued her hospital chaplain ministry for many more years at Trinity Hospital/Aurora St. Luke’s South Shore until her retirement. During this time, she touched many lives of 1000’s of patients, families, staff, and chaplaincy students. Although not officially a sister anymore, Geralyn stayed close to her graduating class throughout her life and considered her “sisters” to be close, life-long friends. Their friendship and support continued to enrich her life all her days. Geralyn missed her 70th class reunion this past summer due to poor health but was philosophical about it, saying, “I’ll see them all again in the next life.” Geralyn was a firm believer in God’s love which holds us all and calls us all back to Him/Her when our earthly lives are completed. She was joyful about the prospect, which helped soothe the sorrowing hearts of those left behind. Her faith, humor, and kindness will be missed.

Geralyn is survived by her sister, Diane (Mike) Borkoski. Loving aunt of Denise (Mark) Dudzik and Mike Jr. (Lisa.) Great aunt of Austin, Kaela, Alex, Catherine, and William. Dear friend of David Zwiers, cousin and friend to many. She is the beloved daughter of the late Rose (Peters) Steimle and Joseph Steimle. 

Family and friends are welcome to gather from 10-10:45 AM at St. Matthias Church on Friday, October 25th, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM.  Interment to follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, gifts to Capuchin Community Services —-  https://www.capuchincommunityservices.org/en/donate/  , a mass at your local parish said for Geralyn, or a donation to a charity of your choice that promotes peace and healing throughout our community and world would honor and celebrate Geralyn’s legacy.

https://youtube.com/live/Cj0Z0Z3kSZ4?feature=share.  - The livestream link will go live at 10:30 AM on the day of service and stay active for one week.