Geraldine Kolpacke, a long-time resident of Garden City, passed away peacefully at age 90 on July 18, 2026, surrounded by the love and devotion of her family. Born on July 31, 1935, Geraldine lived a life defined by her warmth, faith, and unwavering dedication to her family and community. She is now reunited with her beloved husband, Alvin A. Kolpacke, who preceded her in death on April 15, 2012. Together, they shared a beautiful life in Garden City, Michigan, and built a legacy rooted in love.

In her later years, following her husband's passing, Geraldine moved to Summerville, South Carolina, to be near family. Geraldine was an avid reader, a woman of many talents, and deeply compassionate. She loved sewing and creating beautiful pieces for her home and family. Once her children graduated from high school, she channeled her patient, nurturing spirit into a meaningful career as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life; for many years, she was a deeply active member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Garden City, Michigan, where she dedicated her time to guiding new Catholics as they prepared to enter the faith.

With their own children pursuing careers out of state, Gerry and Al became a mainstay in the lives of their niece and nephew, George and Jill Kolpacke. She and Al took great joy in serving as surrogate grandparents to their children Alex and Elayna, filling their lives with extra love, laughter, and support.

She is the loving mother of Alvin F. (Eileen) Kolpacke of South Carolina, Karen (Derald) Brennman of New Hampshire, and John Kolpacke of California. She is the cherished grandmother of Joe Teders and John "Jack" Kolpacke (sons of Al and Eileen), and Kory Brennman and Breeanna Brennman (daughters of Karen and Derald). She is also survived by her dear sister, Marge Starr of Sterling Heights, Michigan, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, 31530 Beechwood, Garden City, Michigan (at Merriman Road, 2 blocks north of Ford Road). A luncheon will follow the Mass.