89, passed away on April 29, 2013 in Fresno, California. Jeanie, as she was known to all, was born in Trinidad, Colorado on March 15, 1924 to Giovanni Battista Bonacquista and Rosaria Gagliardi Bonacquista. She was the seventh of nine children and was very proud of her Italian lineage. As a young woman, Jeanie changed her given name, Dominica, to Jeanie.
She married Charles Willis Gechter, a WWII purple heart marine, in 1947. He was the love of her life and they had 68 wonderful years together and four children. (Linnie “Gena” Gechter, Charles Willis Gechter Jr., James Anthony Gechter and John Robert Gechter.) There are seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles, and son, James Anthony. Jeanie was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother. She was a lively spirit who made every occasion a fun experience. She was a natural helper and enjoyed taking care of others. She and Charles “Willis” were very involved in the Disabled American Veterans and the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary Organizations. She was a past state commander of the D.A.V.A and was particularly proud of the part she played getting the Aspen Disabled Veteran Ski Clinic started over 25 years ago. She was awarded the volunteer of the year award at the first ski clinic and received her second award from them on her twenty-fifth and last year of service.
Charles and Jeanie, after raising their family in the Denver area, moved to Delta, Colorado and remained there for the next 35 years. The couple returned to Denver in 2006 and shortly thereafter Charles passed away. In February of 2009, Jeanie moved to Fresno, California to live with her daughter, Gena where she remained until her death. Although she had a busy life full of work, family and service, she always had the energy for a party and plenty of dancing. Her lively spirit, unusual humor and fiesty nature will be missed by all.
She is survived by her loving children; daughter Gena Linnie Gechter, son Charles Willis &(Korine Lehman) Gechter, son John Robert &(Sandi) Gechter, brother Robert &(Lucille) Bonacquisti, 7 grandchildren; James Anthony Gechter, Jr., Samantha L. Appleton, LeAnn Gechter-Foss, John R. Gechter, Jr., Sara Gechter, Charles L. Gechter, and Cari Gechter, 8 great grandchildren; Grant R. Gechter, Garren A. Gechter, Colton Gechter, Siena Gechter, Alexander Rowland, Elora Rowland, Rebecca Escamilla, and Matthew Escamilla. She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Charles W. Gechter, a son James Anthony Gechter, and her parents Giovanni and Rosaria Bonacquista.
Visitation Tuesday, May 7, 2013 from 4pm to 7pm at Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary. Recitation of the Holy Rosary, Tuesday evening, 7pm at the mortuary. Services Wednesday, May 8, 2013, 12pm, in the Chapel of Peace located on the grounds of Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary & Cemetery. Interment to follow at Olinger Crown Hill Cemetery.
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