Geraldine M. 'Jeri' Vukusich

HURLEY, Wis. - Geraldine M. "Jeri" (nee Sekelsky) Vukusich, 93, passed peacefully in her home on Sept. 27, 2023, after a brief battle with cancer, with family by her side.

Jeri was born on June 28, 1930, to John and Lucy (Giuliano) Sekelsky in Cary.

She graduated from Lincoln High School in Hurley in 1948 and went on to Milwaukee Vocational School of Cosmetology, which she graduated from in June 1949. She worked at Excel Beauty Salon for one year before returning to Ironwood, Michigan.

Jeri was united in marriage to E. Milo Vukusich on Oct. 22, 1949, and went on to have four children: Gale, James, Jean Ann and Amy.

She enjoyed needlepoint, knitting, crocheting and many other crafts. She loved giving her craftwork to friends and family, which they all enjoyed receiving. She had many wonderful adventures with her friends and family on cruises bus trips to many states, and was always down for a trip to a casino.

Jeri always had a sparkle in her eye and a radiant smile for everyone she met. She was a longtime polka fan, she and Milo enjoyed many bands and dancing the night away.

She had a love for the Catholic church, and she was strong in her faith. She knew God was waiting for her and was not afraid to be called home. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley.

Jeri was predeceased by her husband, Milo, in 1993; a son, James, in 1995; and three brothers, Richard, Joseph and James.

Jeri is survived by three loving daughters, Gale (Ron) Niemi, of Mountain View, Wyoming, Jean Ann Vestich, of Bessemer, Michigan, and Amy Vukusich, of Young Harris, Georgia. In addition to her daughters, she is survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, all of whom loved and will miss her dearly.

A special thank you to St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota, and Regional Hospice Services of Ironwood staff for their care and support. Also, sincere thanks and appreciation to Dale Pryor for all the help and support for our mother over the last few years.

A visitation will be at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., with a Rite of Committal at Riverside Cemetery in Ironwood following Mass on June 28, 2024. A luncheon will be held at St. Mary's following the burial.

The family has chosen McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home of Ironwood to honor Jeri's legacy of life. You can leave condolences or a tribute at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.