Geraldine A. (Bever) Smith

Geraldine “Geri” A. (Bever) Smith passed away peacefully at home on the morning of Sunday, April 26. She was born in Two Rivers on August 31, 1937 to parents William and Rose (Jung) Bever. She graduated from Washington High School in 1955, and soon found work as a legal secretary with Larkin, Olson, Winter, and Fox, where she remained dedicated until her retirement in 1999. In 1959, Geraldine met the love of her life, Wendell Smith, who was in port with the Merchant Marines. The pair were married on March 11, 1961. Shortly thereafter they welcomed three beloved children, Gregg, Brad, and Brenda.

Family was the focal point of Geri’s life. She was a caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister. Though she was a natural home-body who refused to step foot on a plane, she happily traveled to see her family often and enjoyed free time at the cottage in Little Sturgeon. Geri was a proud Two Rivers “lifer” who remained close with her high school classmates – enjoying lunches together on the first Thursday of each month. She was an active and engaged member of her community, as a part the Cool City Rubies Red Hatters, TRIAD of Two Rivers, the Two Rivers Senior Center, and the Ladies of St. Peter the Fisherman where she was a dedicated lifelong congregant. In her retirement, she remained active working as an election poll worker and jury bailiff in Manitowoc County. As much as she enjoyed being out and about, Geri was in her element enjoying the simple pleasures in life like sitting outside, taking in nature, and the scenic beauty of Lake Michigan. She could often be found settled in with a word search puzzle. Her family remembers her as a selfless, caring woman who was happiest when her loved ones were happy.

Geraldine is survived by her dear children, Gregg (Bridget) Smith of Midland, MI, Brad (Kim) Smith of Mukwonago, WI, and Brenda Smith of Two Rivers, WI. She will also be lovingly remembered by her adored grandchildren, Ryan (Ashley) Smith of Mukwonago, Garrett Smith of Midland, MI, Nicole Fitak of Freeland, MI, and Danielle (Michael) Hillmer of Eagle, WI. She was the great-grandmother (also affectionately known as Great Geri) to Elizabeth Timko, Audry Fitak, Isla and Lochland Smith, and Greyson and Braelyn Hillmer. She also leaves behind one sister, Sister Marilyn Bever, CSA of Fon du Lac. Geri was preceded in death by her beloved husband Wendell, her parents, her brothers Jerome (Marge) Bever, Elroy Bever, and Michael Bever.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM on Friday, May 8 at St. Peter the Fisherman, 3201 Mishicot Road in Two Rivers. Geri’s family will receive guests from 9:30-11am at the church. Burial and meal of consolation to follow. Mass will be livestreamed on the St. Peter the Fisherman YouTube page.

The family extends a sincere special thanks to the team at Aurora Hospice for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Geri’s memory be made to St. Peter the Fisherman, or to The Washington House Museum in Two Rivers.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.LakeshoreFamilyFuneralHomes.com. Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Klein & Stangel of Two Rivers is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Geraldine A. (Bever) Smith, please visit our floral store.