Geraldine M. “Geri” Althaus (nee Puls), age 88, of West Bend, was called home to be with her Lord, and the long awaited reunion with her daughter and husband on Monday January 13, 2016 at The Kathy Hospice with her family by her side.
She was born on May 26, 1927 in Fremont to the late Otto and Marie (nee Eake) Puls. Geri was raised in Fremont and graduated from Weyawega High School in the class of 1944. She then attended Beautician School in Appleton. Geri moved to West Bend and worked as a beautician at Hedwig Bartelts Beauty Solon. She also worked as a beautician for several local funeral homes during her career.
Geri met her future husband Carl F. Althaus in West Bend and they were united in marriage on June 7, 1952 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fremont. Together they built their home in West Bend and has lived there the rest of her life.
Geri was a long time member of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church. She was active in many church functions, especially Ladies Aid. You could find her in church every Saturday night with her good friend and driver, Alice Brager. She was also a regular at the Wednesday morning Bible classes, and had a great many church friends. Geri was an Auxiliary Gold Circle member of the Fred A. Schaefer VFW Post # 1393 in West Bend. She helped audit their books along with other functions. Geri was also a member and gold star sister of the Fremont American Legion Post. Geri had an endless amount of energy and lead a very active and full life. She was out and about everyday.
Those left behind to cherish Geri’s memory include her son, Carl J. (Jean) Althaus of West Bend; two loving grandchildren, Stacey (friend James Hofmann) Althaus of Huston, TX, and Trevor Althaus of Los Angeles, CA; brother, Gordon (Lisa) Puls of Fremont; special niece and God daughter, Judy (Bill) Standiford of New Berlin; special friends, Diane and Dan Immel of Dundee; dear friend and her ride around town, Diane Albinger (along with the whole breakfast gang); very close friend, Nelly Tichonova of Moscow, Russia (she always loved to hear from Nelly); nieces, nephews, other relatives and many close friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Marie; Husband, Carl F. Althaus; daughter, Linda Marie Althaus; sister and her husband, Geneva (Arne) Johnson; two brothers, Wilbur “Bud” Puls, and Gilbert Puls along with his wife Muriel; sister-in-law and her husband, Carol (Vernon) Laux; two brothers-in-law, Paul Althaus, and Ralph Althaus.
Funeral services in remembrance of Geri will be held on Monday January 18th at 11:00 am at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church (809 S. 6th Ave.) West Bend. Rev. David Kellerman will officiate. Burial will follow in Washington County Memorial Park.
Visitation will be Sunday January 17th at the Myrhum Patten Miller & Kietzer Funeral Home (1315 W. Washington St.) West Bend from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm, and Monday at the church from 10:00 am until the time of service.
Memorials to St. John’s Foundation or the American Legion are appreciated by the family.
Special thank you to the wonderful caregivers Geri has had over the past six weeks, especially the staff of The Kathy Hospice, Pastor Dave Kellerman for his uplifting visits and for sharing the Lords word in her final hours, and to Pastor Chris Bruskiewicz and Carla and their family (Geri’s adopted grandchildren) for a special visit at the hospice last week.
The Myrhum Patten Miller & Kietzer Funeral Homes have been entrusted with Geri’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com