May 21, 1937 – March 13, 2024
San Antonio, Texas
Jelvadine “Geri” “Tootsie” Bernice Dalum, 86, beloved wife, aunt and friend, passed away at her home in San Antonio, Texas on March 13, 2024.
Geri was born on May 21, 1937 to the late Herman and Hilda (Saeger) Kniess. On December 26, 1959, she married Gerald Dalum at St. John’s Lutheran Church in the town of Hamburg. Together, they celebrated 64 years of marriage.
Before her marriage, Geri served as a Nurse’s Aide at St. Mary’s Hospital in Wausau. She later accompanied her husband during his dedicated service in the U.S. Air Force for over 20 years, indulging in her passion for travel along the way. An active member of Zion Lutheran Church in San Antonio prior to the challenges posed by COVID-19, Geri found joy in her faith community. With a special fondness for the holiday season, she cherished Christmas, especially as it marked her wedding anniversary.
She is survived by her husband, Gerald, San Antonio; sister-in-law Lois (Eugene) Helke of Schofield; numerous nieces and nephews; and cherished friends who held a special place in her heart.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Hilda; her father and mother-in-law, Raymond and Ruth Dalum; and her siblings Roger (Margaret Wegner) Kniess; Duane (Sandy Neumann) Kniess; and Joyce (Lawrence) Fehlhaber.
A memorial service celebrating Geri’s life will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in San Antonio at a later date, with another service planned for Restlawn Memorial Park in Wausau later this summer.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Officer Palacios of the San Antonio Police Department, as well as to Celeste and Julie from Zion Lutheran Church, Aleia from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Fisher House, and caring neighbors Daniel and Cory & Danielle and family.
Special thanks are also extended to Samantha from Credit Human for her support and kindness during this challenging time. Though our Aunt Tootsie may have left us, her memory continues to unite and strengthen us.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Zion Lutheran Church-San Antonio or the VA Fisher House-San Antonio, in honor of Geri’s life and legacy.
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