Obituary of Geraldine Ruth Wicks

Geraldine Ruth Wicks, also known as Gerry, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2023, at the age of 88 in Wadsworth, IL. She was born on May 6, 1935, to her late parents (Harry T. Clavey, and Marion (St. Peter) Clavey. Geraldine was a loving wife to her husband of 65 years, Gerald, and together they created a beautiful life filled with love and cherished memories.

Geraldine and Gerald, affectionately known as Gerry and Jerry, were inseparable not only in love, but in sharing the same name. They met in high school where their love story began. When Jerry served in the military, Gerry patiently waited for his return, and upon his homecoming, they sealed their love with marriage in 1958. 

Gerry's unconditional love and unwavering support always surrounded her loved ones, and she welcomed new family members with open arms. She found immense pride and joy in her family and believed that love and determination could conquer any obstacle.

Geraldine will be deeply missed by her beloved husband, Gerald Wicks, and her children: Jeffrey Wicks and his wife Mae, James Wicks and his wife Evie, John Wicks and his wife Jennifer, Jennifer Andersen and her husband Robert. She will also be fondly remembered by her grandchildren: Nikki Wolf, Valarie Atkinson, Stephanie Moxley and her husband Jason, Heather Tapp and her husband Conner, Trenton Andersen, Anastasia Hoppenjan and her husband Zach, Madison Andersen, Dylan, Dane, and Lucas Wicks, Alec and Cleo Hundley, together with her great grandchildren, Brookie, Joy, Jordan, Joshua, and Graham. With one great, great grandchild, Addie, as well as many nieces and nephews. 

Geraldine was preceded in death by her parents and her husband's parents, Gerald and Anastasia Wicks, as well as her brothers, Harry T. Clavey Jr, Orvalle S. “Pat” Clavey, and her sister, Alice Beemsterboer, along with her brother-in-law, Joseph Beemsterboer and Russell Bock and great grandchild Timmy Holm. She is survived by her sister in-laws, Joan Clavey, Lorraine Clavey and Janice Bock.

Gerry worked for seven years at the Great lakes Naval Base before she started her family. She and her husband then started Wicks Green Acres Nursery which was licensed in Illinois for many years. Carrying on a Clavey tradition of horticulture, started by her grandfather, F. D. Clavey of Clavey’s Ravinia Nurseries in Highland Park Illinois and then her father Harry T. Clavey Sr.

Gerry also worked as a dedicated mail carrier at the Wadsworth Post Office for 13 years. She took pride in her work and served her community diligently.

Geraldine found solace and strength in her faith and was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Waukegan, IL as a member for over 60 years.

A memorial service to honor Geraldine's life will be held at the First United Methodist Church, located at 128 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085, on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at 12:00 Noon. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Geraldine may be made to the First United Methodist Church.

Geraldine Ruth Wicks will forever be remembered for her love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family. She leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.