Geraldine Bloom

Geraldine Bloom, 87, of Marathon, passed away on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at Benedictine Living Community, Wausau, under the care of Compassus Hospice.

She was born June 22, 1937, in the town of Cassel to the late Casmier and Eulalia (Kafka) Lemanski.  On May 16, 1956, she married Christie Bloom at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Cassel.  He preceded her in death on February 9, 2019.

She was known for her great cooking and baking.  Always a good hostess especially her St. Patrick's Day meal and holiday gatherings.  Everyone looked forward to the huge homemade candy and cookie tray at Christmastime. Grandkids and great-grandkids always could find ice cream drumsticks, a refrigerator stocked with soda, and homemade baked goods waiting for them.  Memories they will cherish forever. She had a passion for reading and gardening. A fabulous seamstress when her children were young.  Making us mother/daughter matching dresses, play clothes, and Kathy's intricate beaded twirling costume. She enjoyed traveling. Her favorite trips were to Hawaii and San Francisco.  Her words of wisdom, “getting old is not for sissies” was heard by her family often.  Her career started as a secretary working for an insurance agent in Wausau and she was an Avon lady for a period of time.  Geraldine worked as a line supervisor at Marathon Cheese for 43 years until she finally retired at age 70.

Survivors include her children, Kathleen (Wayne) Busse, Steven (Robin) Bloom, Camille (Dean) Schafer; grandchildren, Aaron (Dana) Busse, Andrew (Kelly) Bloom, Amy (Julio) Cruz, Benjamin (Gaby Huepenbecker) Schafer, Violet Schafer; and six great-grandchildren, Marcos & Andres Cruz, Ava & Owen Busse, Avery & Bennett Bloom.

She is further survived by her sister, Diann (Kim) Helnore; brothers, Murilen Lemanski, Roger (Harriet) Lemanski, Bryon (Karen) Lemanski, and James (Peggy) Lemanski; sisters-in-law, Jackie Lemanski, Ursula Volm, Judy (Lenny) Berg, Tillie Hugely; brothers-in-law, Chuck (Sharon) Volm and Tom Volm; numerous nieces and nephews, and good friends, Tom & Mary Ellen Stiebers; and honorary family member, Debbie Marzynski.

She was preceded in death by her in-laws, Nick & Henrietta Volm; sisters, Janice Linder and Anna Lemanski; brother, Florian Lemanski; brothers-in-law, Bill Volm, Donald Linder, Nicholas Volm, Gary Lang; sisters-in-law, Maureen Lemanski, Marilyn Volm, Nancy Lang; and several nephews and a niece.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon, with Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier presiding.  Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon, with Recitation of the Rosary at 7:30 p.m.  Visitation will continue on Thursday beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church.  Burial will follow the funeral Mass in the parish cemetery.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers at Benedictine Rehab and Compassus Hospice for the wonderful and compassionate care given to Geraldine.

Geraldine’s family would also like to express a heartfelt thank you to Debbie Marzynski for all the support, care, and companionship given to their mom over the past few years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Mary Catholic Church or a charity of your choice.