Geraldine Francis Kauitzsch, age 98, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2025, after a long, full life rooted in the heart of Hamilton County, Texas.
Born on November 23, 1926, “out in the country,” Geraldine entered the world weighing just 2 pounds — kept safe and warm in a shoebox near the stove. That tiny beginning marked the start of a life defined by strength and resilience. She was baptized on December 29, 1926, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Aleman and remained a woman of steady, quiet faith throughout her life.
On April 29, 1945, she married Raymond Kauitzsch, and together they raised two children, Bonnie and Myron, just outside the Hamilton city limits, where Geraldine lived nearly all her life.
When it came to work, the throughline was “service” — whether she was teaching Sunday school, working at the local dairy in her teenage years, or later taking care of others at the Leisure Lodge for more than a decade. As a young mom, she carried a paper route with her children, teaching responsibility by example. She was never above any task, known for cleaning houses, doing laundry and ironing, and keeping things running wherever she was; some may even have called her the “cop” of Hamilton Manor!
She is survived by her devoted daughter, Bonnie Nelson and her husband Carl; her grandchildren: Melanie Wagner-Mallow and great-granddaughters Ashley and Raylee, Michelle Wagner-Knapp and her husband Sean, Sheldon Kauitzsch and his wife Julie and their family, and Alicia Gutierrez and her husband Jason together with great-granddaughters Kaitlyn and Avery; her brother, Floyd Wenzel and his wife, Margaret, and by the many friends, neighbors, and residents of Hamilton Manor and Focused Care, where she shared her signature humor and wisdom in later years. A special heartfelt recognition of Mike Ceresini - her best friend at Focused Care.
Geraldine was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Kauitzsch; her son, Myron Kauitzsch; her father, Arthur Wenzel; mother, Hattie Wenzel; stepmother, Alvena Wenzel; and her baby sister, Frances Wenzel; and many other family and friends who have passed on before her.
Geraldine was sassy, feisty, and always up for a good laugh — or a good bingo game. She kept her “winning” cards in a secret stash and played with the same competitive spirit she brought to life. She was most at home in her garden, quietly working her puzzles, or fishing out at the tank. She loved every animal that crossed her path — from chickens and livestock to the countless cats and dogs she welcomed over the years. She never let anyone go hungry and never let a chore go undone.
To know Geraldine was to know a woman who lived on her own terms, gave generously, laughed often, and always had a story to tell. She will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to love her.
Visitation will be held at Riley Funeral Home in Hamilton, Texas, on Saturday, March 29, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a family luncheon and graveside church services at Oakwood Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to St. John’s Lutheran Church, honoring Geraldine’s commitment to her community and faith.
