Geraldine Emma Forrester

Geraldine Forrester, 93 of Traverse City, passed away peacefully of natural causes at the home of her son, Dan in Skandia, Michigan. She passed away on February 23, 2023. Geri was born on June 5, 1929 in Saginaw, Michigan to her parents, Frank and Emma (Lentz) Hart. Geri and her 3 siblings grew up in Beulah, Michigan. She loved to play her guitar in the woods behind their home. She always loved music and also played the accordion and piano. She always had music in the house and her children have fond memories of her playing her version of The Boogie Woogie on the piano. Years later, she also entertained the family with her favorite songs on the organ. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She was very involved in their lives and loved to have them visit as often as possible. She never forgot a birthday, and everyone always got a card in the mail from her. She made the holidays special and loved to decorate. Her neighbors (and family) always looked forward to her outdoor Christmas decorations. Her first job was at the soda fountain at the Beulah Drug Co., where she met her future husband, Claude. They were married on July 17, 1949 in Benzonia, Michigan. They were married for 54 years and raised 4 children together. They lived in Sutton’s Bay until they moved back to Benzie County in 1971. The Beulah Drug Co. was back in their lives when they opened the second store in Benzonia in 1975. Geri worked there while the store got established. Geri graduated from the Benzonia High School in 1948, and then went on to nursing school. She enjoyed her time as a Practical Nurse and worked at the hospital in Petosky, Michigan until her marriage. She loved summer and spent as much time in the sun as possible. She had a favorite beach on Crystal Lake, and also Manistee which she loved to take her grandchildren to. She also loved to travel and grabbed every opportunity to take a trip. She loved going to Florida to visit her brother and sister, and also to California to visit her daughter. She made many trips to the U.P. and Ohio to visit her sons. She was always teased about over packing. Her family also remembers her love for Triple Yahtzee and Chinese Checkers. She almost always won! Geri was a member of several churches during her life and was very involved in them. She taught Sunday school and sang in the choir, and brought her favorite dishes to the pot lucks. God was very important to her and her life reflected that. She is survived by her sister Joan (Art) Moseler of Elberta, MI, and her children Dan (Lois) Forrester of Skandia, MI, Craig (Tammy) Forrester of Indianapolis, IN, Steve (Amanda) Forrester of Benzonia, MI, Gayle (David) Peterson of Traverse City, MI, and grandchildren Jennifer (Tim) Connors, Joshua Forrester, Madison Forrester, Jasmine (Dan) Cooper, Caleb Forrester, Tiffany (Isaiah) Kline, Tabitha (John) McDaniel, Benjamin Forrester, and Kyle Peterson. She also is survived by 16 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Emma Hart, her husband Claude Forrester, her sister Bernice Demco, her brother Frank Hart, and grandson Jonathan Forrester. The celebration of Geri’s life will be held on May 13, 2023 at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A time for sharing will be held from 1:30 to 2:30 pm. An open house will follow until 4:30 pm. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories with the family.

Geraldine Emma Forrester

June 5, 1929 - February 23, 2023