Geraldine Hemmingsen

Geraldine Ann (Woosley) Hemmingsen “Jerri”, age 75, passed from this life on the morning of January 19, 2019, with her dear husband, Frank, at her bedside. At the time of her passing she was in her winter home of Apache Junction, Arizona. She courageously battled cancer for nearly four years.

Jerri was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on March 3, 1943, to Gerald and Virginia Woosley. She graduated from high school in Blair, Nebraska, in 1961. She was married on June 15, 1963, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Franklin Dale Hemmingsen, of Elk Horn, Iowa.

In February, 1967, they moved to Elk Horn, Iowa, where they have resided ever since. They had four sons: Dale Eugene, born in 1966, Jeffery Lawrence, born in 1969, Kurt Nathan, born in 1978, and Jamie Tyler, born in 1980.

She worked in the accounting department as a secretary and purchasing agent for Gate City Steel. She was certified by the American Red Cross as a Water Safety Instructor. She had a passion for arts and crafts and was a tole painting instructor at Iowa Western Community College. Jerri also partnered in the ownership of the franchise “The Diet Center” for nearly a decade. She worked as the activities director at various nursing homes. She worked for the Elk Horn Windmill for 23 years giving tours and meeting and greeting tourists from around the world.

Mom never wavered in her unconditional love and support for her family. Although much of her time as a mother she was outnumbered by four sons and a husband, those numbers eventually swung in her favor with wonderful daughters-in-law and many grand-daughters.

She was the number one fan on the sidelines for her boys. Jerri and Frank probably suffered from more stress and agony as spectators than their boys did competing. She was always there driving them to games, tournaments, and events. Reflecting back...I don’t think she ever missed any of our activities.

Her favorite thing to do for herself was to go shopping. Frank patiently waited on every bench outside of Younkers, JC Penny, and Von Maur, this side of the Mississippi. She also loved animals. Over the years she nurtured and cared for many dogs and cats that reciprocated her love in return for the regular meals she ensured they would receive. She was a faithful and dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Gerald and Virginia. She is survived by her husband, Frank of Elk Horn, IA; brother and sister, Gene and Cecelie, both of Lakeland, Florida; sons Dale, of Bloomsburg, PA, Jeff, of Jefferson, SD, Kurt, of Menomonee Falls, WI, and Jamie, of Omaha, NE and their wives and children; and many loved ones.

Her funeral will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 56999 650th St. in Atlantic, Iowa, on Saturday, January 26, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. There will be a viewing at Hockenberry Funeral home at 1804 E. 7th St. in Atlantic, Iowa, on Friday, January 25, 2019, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Her burial will be in the Elk Horn Lutheran Cemetery at 4313 Main St. in Elk Horn, IA, immediately following the funeral service with a luncheon in the Elk Horn Lutheran Church following the burial. Friends, family, and loved ones are invited.

In accordance with Jerri's wishes, her family will give any undesignated memorial funds to the Atlantic Animal Shelter, as Jerri had a passion and love for animals.