Geraldine Annette Gervae

Born on February 6, 1938 to Leo V. & Sylvia S. (Lahti) Juchemich, Geraldine was raised in the Rolling Mill location of Negaunee. Her childhood days consisted of sleepovers with her best and favorite friends, her cousins, the Lahti girls. She hunted the woods carrying her secondhand Red Ryder BB gun (the one with the leather straps) and spent countless hours skating the Green Pond in the winter. Saturday night was sauna night at her Mummu’s (Finnish Grandma). She brought her Dad his lunch pail and thermos when he worked at the, âMary Charlotteã (across the road from their home) and listened to him tell numerous stories with his friends in Honkavaara’s garage. Geraldine was a member of the “Hard as Nails, Tough as Bricks” Negaunee Class of 1956. She was a cheerleader during the 1950s championship era of Negaunee basketball. She met and cheered on her future husband, James (Jim) Gervae, who was a starting forward for the “Miners”.

Geraldine married Jim, on January 5, 1957, and together raised five children. Their eldest daughter, Tracie, was born with Down Syndrome. Jim and Geraldine were advised to institutionalize their daughter, a common practice at the time. Going against doctor recommendations, they chose to accept their blessing and care for their daughter by raising her in the love and comfort of their family home. This decision set into motion a life of caregiving for Geraldine. Her life’s purpose and true calling. Tracie was God’s gift to her family. Until her death in 2015, she was a “living” angel that walked the earth. The family also opened their home to Jim’s Uncle Frank who moved in at the age of 80, and lived happily with the family for his remaining 11 years of life.

Geraldine obtained a cosmetology license, a profession which provided flexibility to work out of the home and care for her family. All who came to her “shop”, many known as the “480 Ladies” due to the County Road in which they all lived, were greeted with a hug and a hot cup of coffee by her daughter Tracie. A gesture that brought many to tears.

Geraldine was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, niece and trusted friend. She was endeared by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her gentle nature, work ethic, resolve, selflessness, compassion, perseverance, ability to quickly forgive, love of nature, authenticity and pure heart was a testament to her faith. She will be forever loved and honored by those that remain.

She is survived by her children, Timothy Gervae of Palmer, Todd Gervae of Negaunee and Toni (Robert) Ring of Negaunee; eleven grandchildren, Jeri Ann (Jason) Wendt, Elizabeth (Bryant) Behn, James Barabe, Jr., Adam Barabe, T.J. Gervae, Troy Gervae, Josh (April) Larson, Rachel Ring, Matthew Jandron, Allison (Jacob) Paupore and Angela Ring; ten great- grandchildren, Alvina, Thomas, Maya, Gunner, Abram, Bray, Brookelyn, Devyn, Ezra and Drew; her brother, Dan Juchemich; special nieces and nephews in-law, Susie & Sonny Guizzetti and Dona & Steve Hansen, and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Sincere appreciation and gratitude to the wonderful staff of Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice for providing quality medical support, and being a source of comfort and understanding. Special and loving neighbors, Terry & Bonnie Popour, special longtime friend, Janine Miljour and her beloved Friday “lunch” ladies group: Susie, Bonnie and Dar with whom she shared faith, fellowship, laughter and love.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jim, her beloved daughters, Tracie Lee and Terrie Ann; her parents, Leo and Sylvia Juchemich; her in-laws, Tony and Eva Gervae; a special uncle, Frank Gerovac; two sisters; Nancy Denofre, Kathy Ann Juchemich; and a brother, Frank Juchemich.

Fassbender Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family. Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com. The family will be hosting a private memorial service in honor of Geraldine. She will be interred on June 5, 2026 at the Negaunee Cemetery next to her husband, Jim and her daughters, Tracie Lee and Terrie Ann. June 5th was Tracie’s birthday, and an “honorary” holiday in the Gervae family.

Geraldine had two passions: Faith and Gardening. Both came naturally to her. In faith, she served the Lord through humble action. Demonstrating that faith through selfless service, kindness, and obedience, rather than seeking recognition. She walked humbly with God in daily life, treating others with compassion. In gardening, patience, nurturing, and consistent behavior are required. She practiced weeding out negative habits, cultivated strength and accepted that some elements in life, like the weather, are beyond one’s control.

She was God’s gardener called to tend the garden of humanity, all the world that God so loves. She sowed seeds of kindness, of faith, hope, love, peace, grace, endurance, forgiveness, gentleness, patience, and generosity.

Her favorite poem was penned by Dorothy Frances Gurney.

When asked why she loved to garden she would ad lib and recite:

“I’m closer to God in “my” garden than anywhere else on earth”.

The full poem reads:

The kiss of the sun for pardon,

The song of the birds for mirth.

You are nearer God’s heart in a garden,

than anywhere else on earth.

Mom, enjoy God’s lush, heavenly gardens. You deserve the rest.

It was an honor and a privilege to care for you.

We love you!

Until we meet again.

Toni, Robbie & Josie