Geraldine Ann (Caudill) Case

APPLETON, Wis. — Geraldine Ann (Caudill) Case, of Appleton, died peacefully at home on May 2, 2013, from breast cancer.

Jeri was one of 13 children born to William and Emily Caudill in Watersmeet, Mich., on Oct. 7, 1931.

She was married to Harold Case in Chicago in April 1950. They lived in California while Harold served in the Korean War, and then returned to Chicago before moving to the Fox Valley, residing in both Neenah and Appleton. They built a home on Lake Camelot, near Nekoosa, where they enjoyed many years entertaining and building special memories for their grandchildren.

Jeri and Harold wintered many years in Seaside, Fla., where they enjoyed new friends, the sun, the sand and the sea. All those who knew and loved her will remember her for the joy she found in entertaining, baking, knitting, reading, hanging sheets on the line and sharing in her grandchildren’s lives.

Jeri is survived by her husband, Harold; her daughters, Pam (Chuck) Bate, of Appleton, Jill Case-Wirth, of Appleton, and Amy Case, of Madison; five grandchildren, Emily (Kevin) Grasse, of Charleston, S.C., Anna Bate, of Washington D.C., Alex Bate, of Salt Lake City, Allison Wirth, of Wilson, N.C., and Haley Bate, of Madison. Jeri was further blessed with two great-granddaughters, Addison and Genevieve Grasse, who brought her much joy. She is also survived by her sisters, Nancy (son Craig and Debbie) Peterson, of Appleton, Carolyn McRae, of Iron River, Mich., Judy (Albert) Peterson, of Watersmeet, Betty (Clark) Henry, of Woodruff, and Kathy (Steve) Worachek, of Ewen, Mich .; brothers, Bob (Helen) Caudill, of Marquette, Mich., Dick Caudill, of Watersmeet, Paul (Nancy) Caudill, of Westerville, Ohio, and Tom (Laurel) Caudill, of Bruce Crossing, Mich .; sister-in-law, June (Lee) Hardy, of Phoenix; and many nieces and nephews.

Jeri was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Bill; and sisters, Patricia and Mary Sue.

A service and celebration of her life will be held this summer in Watersmeet.

Her family extends a special thank you to Dr. Raymond Georgen, Dr. Robert Nonn, Dr. David Schultz, Dr. Jack Swanson and the ThedaCare at Home Hospice team, especially Mary, who provided her with compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made in Jeri’s name to both the William and Emily Caudill Scholarship Fund in care of Watersmeet High School, Watersmeet, MI, 49969; or a memorial fund has been established at the Appleton Medical Center Foundation, 1818 N. Meade St., Appleton, WI, 54911, with gifts directed to the Martha Siekman Cancer Center.