Geraldine Ann “Gerri” Dolezal, age 92, of Valparaiso, passed away Monday, December 28, 2020 at her home following an extended illness.
Geraldine was born October 30, 1928 in North Jackson, Ohio, now known as Warren, Ohio to Emerson and Dorthea Kistler, both of which have preceded her in death.
She graduated from North Judson High School at the age of 17. She went on to study at Indiana University, Ancilla College and the South Bend Art Institute, where she studied under Harriett Rex Smith. On October 10, 1948 she married Ed Dolezal, he preceded her in death on April 5, 1985. She and Ed opened Ed’s Auto Parts in Knox in 1954 where she was a bookkeeper and secretary. The entire 62 years Ed’s Auto Parts was open she, Ed and their son Greg ran the business. She continued to be Greg’s bookkeeper at both Ed’s Auto and G and G Guns up until November of 2020.
She was a long-time member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in North Judson, and most recently Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Valparaiso. She was a member of Tri-Kappa (Starke County), Starke County Choraliers, and Sweet Adalines (Porter County). Her hobbies included; needle point, painting, singing in the choirs at both churches for the past 25 years, and traveling with “Sounds of Hope” for many years.
She is survived by two sons, Dr. David E. Dolezal (Cynthia) of Marietta, Georgia and Gregory P. Dolezal (Cheryl L.) of Kewanna, Indiana, five grandchildren, Dr. Jennifer Jozwiak (Steven), Kara Rhoda (Jon), Brett Dolezal, Julia M. Heise (Brad), Davis Dolezal, and four great grandchildren.
Visitation will take place Monday, January 4, 2020 from 10am to 12 noon at M.C. Smith Funeral Home in Knox.
Funeral services will take place Monday, January 4, 2020 at 2pm (CT), with visitation one hour prior to services at St. Peter Lutheran Church in North Judson. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery in North Judson.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Peter Lutheran School in North Judson or Immanuel Lutheran Church in Valparaiso.
