Geraldine Wheeler Obituary

Geraldine Rose (Gozola) Wheeler
October 30, 1941 – December 27, 2024
Geraldine Rose (Gozola) Wheeler, age 83, of Oakdale, MN, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on October 30, 1941, in Baltimore Maryland, Geri was the devoted wife of George for 60 wonderful years and a loving mother, grandmother, sister, friend and nurse to many.
Geri was raised in a Catholic family by Walter and Angeline Gozola, grew up in Minneapolis with her siblings Dick and Mary K, attended Our Lady of Victory and graduated from Patrick Henry High School. She played tennis, basketball and the piano. She loved singing, dancing, and parties! Early in her career, she realized her calling as a nurse and in 1959 trained and worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at the Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis. She met her husband, George, in December 1961, at the Prom Ballroom in St. Paul. They were married June 6, 1964. For a short time she worked at Gillette Children's Hospital. Together, they lived out their Christian faith and raised their family by Beaver Lake on the East Side of St. Paul and Maplewood, where Geri was a devoted homemaker. They built a simple, yet rich life together. Their unconditional love and friendship was evident up until the day she passed.
Over the years Geri cherished the simple joys of life, including cooking, canning, baking, playing the piano, singing, dancing, cleaning, gardening, playing tennis and skiing. She always was learning something new and found ways to make her home a warm and welcoming place for her loved ones.
Her greatest pride and joy was her husband, her children, their spouses, and her grandchildren. Geri's nurturing spirit and boundless love created a strong family foundation that will forever be remembered.
In addition to her role as a dedicated homemaker, in 1976 she went back to work as an LPN at St. Joseph's Hospital in St. Paul. She attended higher education to earn an AA college degree in an accelerated nursing program at Inver Hills Community College and became a Registered Nurse (RN). For 40 years, she took care of the sick. She worked as an RN at St. Joseph's Hospital in Downtown St. Paul, serving patients on almost every floor and department. She loved being a nurse and taking care of people. She was known for her kindness, compassion, strength, fearlessness, humor and the way she brightened the hospital with her presence, often bringing treats and crafts to share with coworkers during second and third shifts.
Beyond her professional life, Geri continued to be a creative soul. In her spare time, she loved to cook, bake, sew, garden, read, listen to music, attend children and grandchildren events, and engage in arts and crafts. These hobbies allowed her to express her creativity and love for beauty in every form. She also willingly embraced technology and continued to be a life-long learner.
Despite a long and courageous battle with illness, Geri demonstrated unwavering strength and determination to live life to the fullest. She worked closely with her doctors, trying numerous treatments, all the while maintaining a strong sense of dignity and quality of life. Her positive attitude and relentless will to survive were an inspiration to those around her. While we will deeply miss her, we take comfort in knowing that her pain and suffering have finally come to an end.
Geri is survived by her devoted husband and caregiver, George; brother Dick (Nancy); sister Mary K (John); children Debbie (Rick), Tom (Lisa), and Jayme; 9 cherished grandchildren and spouses; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends who will forever hold her in their hearts.
The Catholic funeral service will be on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 10:30 AM, with a visitation beginning at 9:30 AM, at Oakwood Funeral Home, 2585 Stillwater Road, Maplewood, MN 55119.
A private interment will be held at a later date.
Geri's life was a testament to love, service, resilience, and selflessness. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Rest in peace Mom.
THE SERVICE MAY BE VIEWED LIVE VIA ZOOM STARTING AT 10:30
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