Vanderloo, Geraldine Ethel (1937-2008)

VANDERLOO, WHITE, OSTERT, GILLASPIE, BLUM, DONLIN, BLACKENBURG, ERICKSON, UFKEN, REISTOFFER

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 3/11/2008 at 20:47:29

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, March 11, 2008

Geraldine Vanderloo, 71, of Merrill, died Sunday, March 9, 2008 at her home in Merrill.

Geraldine Ethel White was born March 1, 1937, the daughter of Martin J. and Ethel M. (Ostert) White in Le Mars. As a young child, Gerry had lived in Le Mars, Alta, and Sioux City before moving to Merrill in 1948. Gerry attended school in Merrill and later graduated from Ellis Beauty School in 1960. She established "Gerry's Beauty Salon" in Merrill in 1961 and operated the business for more than 40 years before her retirement in 2004.

Gerry was united in marriage to Stanley G. Vanderloo on Sept. 21, 1963, at St. John Lutheran Church in Merrill. Gerry was a First Responder for the Merrill Ambulance Service for several years. Gerry was a very civic-minded person, having volunteered with numerous groups in Merrill throughout the years.

Gerry enjoyed photography, painting, cooking, and visiting with her many friends in the beauty salon. She also enjoyed attending sprint car races around the area.

Survivors include her husband of 44 years, Stanley of Merrill; a daughter, Deb Gillaspie of Merrill and her friend Larry Pasewalk; two grandsons, Ryan and Adam Gillaspie of Merrill; a brother and sister-in-law, Kenny and Linda White and their children, Kandi White and her friend Andy Krienert and Lara White and her children, R.J., Gabby, and Alex, all of Merrill; in-laws: Virg and Norma Vanderloo of Ackley, Bonnie and Norm Blum of Merrill, Keith and Carol Vanderloo, Glenda and Don Donlin of Merrill, Curt and Marlene Vanderloo of Merrill, Wendel Blackenburg of Norwalk, and Rich and Pat Vanderloo of Sioux City; aunts and uncles: Shirley and George Erickson of Remsen and Gerald and Rita Ostert of Le Mars; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gerry was preceded in death by her parents, Martin J. and Ethel M. (Ostert) White; a brother, James White in 1991; a nephew, Michael White in 1987; two aunts, Lila Ufken and Bonnie Reistoffer; and a sister-in-law, Janice Blakenburg.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. John Lutheran Church in Merrill with the Rev. Peter Boe officiating. Interment will be in Hillside Cemetery, Merrill. Visitation will be after 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars with the family present to greet friends after 5 p.m. followed by a 6 p.m. prayer service. Visitation will continue at the church from 9:30 a.m. until service time.

Pallbearers will be Kenny White, R.J. Lara, Ryan Gillaspie, Adam Gillaspie, and Larry Pasewalk.