Geraldine Kaelin

She was born January 12, 1936 in Paris, Arkansas to William Joseph and Cecilia Eckart Gorrell. She is a member of Saint Boniface Catholic Church in Fort Smith. She was preceded in death by her son, John Kaelin; two sisters, Mary Bernice Gorrell and Barbara Bauer.

Mom was a joyful, authentic, faithful servant of the Lord. She had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother. She understood that no one is closer to Jesus and knows how to love Him better than His mother, Mary. Her first priority was her love of Jesus and her faith. With God as the center of her life, her greatest pleasure was in service to others. Her generosity touched many lives. She found joy in her family and remained intertwined into the fabric of each of her children’s lives until the day she died. She loved to bake and cook. No one left her house with an empty stomach or without being offered something to eat. She had a gift for interacting with children, and it is easy to see why our Lord gifted her with so many children, grandchildren, and great-children.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, James Kaelin; four daughters, Frances Sisti and husband Jeff of Edmond, Oklahoma; Teresa Shore and husband Steve of Longview, Texas; Rita English and husband Dave of Fort Smith; Angie Cobb and husband Will of Fort Smith; two sons, Kenny Kaelin and wife Linda of Fort Smith; Robert Kaelin and wife Tammy of Fayetteville; two sisters, Betty Halliburton (Bosie) of Fort Smith and Mary Beatrice (Bedie) Phelps of Conway; 19 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Rosary service will be 6:00 pm Friday, May 31, 2024 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with a visitation to follow until 8:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 am Saturday at St. Boniface Catholic Church with burial to follow in Calvary Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Mercy Hospice, especially Lisa and Jennifer. Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Boniface Catholic Church, 1820 North B Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.