Madeline Meierkort

She was born September 6, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois to Frank and Helen Greenan. An only child, Madeline was the center of her parents’ world and could not have been loved, supported, and encouraged more.

A life-long south-sider, Madeline married a Chicago north-sider, Jerry Meierkort, in 1963. The seeming opposites proved to be the perfect match, like two complementary puzzle pieces, remaining partners, best friends, and the love of each other’s life for over 56 years.

After graduating from Calumet High School, Madeline attended Lewis University as part of that school’s first-ever class of female students. Madeline eventually went to work for United Airlines, where she met Jerry while participating in the company’s bowling league. Legend has it that Jerry proposed the night they met, and Madeline did little over the years to dispel that notion. It proved to be love at first sight, and they married in 1963. Two sons followed: Michael in 1965, and Marc in 1970. They celebrated fifty years of married bliss in 2013.

Madeline committed herself to her family and community, first in Blue Island, Illinois, then eventually in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago, where the family resided for over 25 years. Madeline chose to be a stay-at-home mom and became an ardent and active participant in her sons’ lives. From school aide and chaperone to Little League treasurer to block-party organizer to church retreat participant, Madeline continually put the needs of others first, but was forever rewarded with the joy and love of family and friends.

In addition to spending time with family and friends, Madeline loved to read, travel, play Yahtzee with Jerry, and revel in all things Ireland. She cherished the Irish history and culture, finally able to visit the homeland with Jerry in 2000. This love of travel took them frequently to destinations such as San Diego, Maui, and Las Vegas, which became both figurative and literal homes-away-from-home. Wherever they went, they fostered friendships and memories that have lasted a lifetime.

Madeline is survived by her husband, Jerry; her sons Michael and Marc; her daughters-in-law Laura and Thea; and her grandchildren Dan and Hope, who will forever and always feel the warmth and love of a wife, mother, and grandmother.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the St. Francis of Assisi Building Fund in honor of Madeline Meierkort.

Visitation will be held beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. on July 3, 2019 at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Henderson, Nevada. Interment will be held at 1:20 p.m. at the Southern Nevada Veteran’s Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada.