Geraldine M. Fechtelkotter

Geraldine "Jerry" Mae Bong Fechtelkotter was born to life on December 28, 1924, and born to eternal life on September 20, 2024. She was 99 years old. Jerry was the daughter of Carl and Dora Bong and a lifelong resident of Poplar.

Jerry was united in marriage to Lyle J. Fechtelkotter on August 26, 1949. They celebrated fifty-six years of marriage before Lyle's passing in 2005.

Jerry was a dedicated elementary school teacher for almost 40 years with most of those years in the School District of Maple. She especially enjoyed teaching first graders to read and write and develop a love of books.

Jerry was also a farmer. She and Lyle were the proud owners of Poplar Polled Hereford Farm where they raised registered beef cattle.

Jerry was an active member of her community her entire life. She was a 4-H leader and cub scout leader. As a member of the Poplar-Wentworth Lions Club she devoted countless hours to service projects at the local and state levels. She and Lyle were members of the International Lions Pin Traders Club. Their love of pin trading sent them around the world amassing pins and many, many wonderful friends. Jerry even designed pins for their local and district clubs. She was a strong supporter of veterans' affairs.

Peace Lutheran Church was near and dear to Jerry. It was there that she sang in the choir and worked with the quilters. She was a lifelong member.

Jerry had many skills, talents, and interests. She was an accomplished seamstress sewing everything from wedding and bridesmaid dresses to snowmobile seats. In her later years sewing quilts became her passion. The quilts she and the church quilters made have been shipped around the world to warm those in need. Jerry also painted and did woodworking. She was an avid reader, an animal lover, and a gardener with many beautiful flower beds. She enjoyed conquering a challenging puzzle.

Jerry was a sports fan. She eagerly followed all the sports that her grandchildren and great grandchildren participated in. She enjoyed college sports, especially watching the Wisconsin Badgers.

Above all, Jerry was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved her family beyond measure and was always there to provide encouragement and support. She will be dearly missed by her daughter, Nancy (Andy) Lind, sons, Keith "Kit" Fechtelkotter, and John (Sherry) Fechtelkotter; Seven grandchildren, Jesse (Angie) Lind, Jenny (Shane) Van Beek, Breena (Jovin) Kroll, Cody (Beth) Fechtelkotter, Jamie (Pat) Cook, Kiel (Nicole) Fechtelkotter, David Fechtelkotter; Fifteen great-grandchildren, Lukas, Aliana, Aidree, Kenzie, Kamden, Kyan, Lindee Mae, Cayden, Kennedy, Keelan, Clar, Canton, Avery, Ellie and Jordyn; Sister, Barbara “Bobby” Peterman; and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lyle; brothers, Richard “Dick” Bong, Carl Bong Jr., James “Jim” Bong; sisters, Nelda Peterson, Betty Bong, Joyce Erickson, Sue Bong; and her parents.

Visitation will begin at 10:30 AM, Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Peace Lutheran Church, 9523 US-2, Poplar, WI, and will continue until the 12:30 PM Memorial Service with Pastor Donna Rutten officiating. Burial will be in Poplar Cemetery.

Jerry’s grandchildren will be recognized as honorary pallbearers.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made in Jerry’s name to the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center, 305 E. 2nd Street, Superior, WI 54880; Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin, Attn: Philanthropy, Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin, 5003 Tradewinds Pkwy., Madison, WI 53718; or to Peace Lutheran Church.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5th Street, Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com.