Geraldine Hopp Forristall

Geraldine Hopp Forristall was born on September 24, 1927, in Red Bluff, California. She was the older of two daughters born to Friederich Heinrich and Helen Irene (Estes) Hopp. At the time of her birth, Geraldine's father was working in the fields following the seasonal harvest in California. Shortly after she was born, the family returned to their farm in Lewis Township near Mineola, Iowa. Geraldine attended Lewis #7, a one room country school until the eighth grade. She graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1945, and last year she enjoyed her Sixtieth High School Reunion. Following her graduation from high school, Geraldine worked at the Farm Bureau Office and Extension Service from 1945 to 1948.
Geraldine was married to Gerald Eugene Forristall on February 1, 1948, in Omaha, Nebraska. They made their home on the Forristall Family Farm in Silver Creek Township near Macedonia. Their marriage was blessed with three sons, Gary Edwin, Gregory Allan, and Gayle Frederick, and two daughters, Gerianne and Gloria (deceased at birth). Geraldine was active with her children and grandchildren's activities and in her community. She was a volunteer for the Macedonia Methodist Church and Sunday School, Cub Scouts, 4-H, Band Parents, and the P.T.A. Geraldine was a member of Eastern Star, Sigma Gamma Federated Club, and O.T.O. Club. When her children were young, Geraldine was employed part-time as a secretary for the Macedonia Methodist Church and for the District Superintendent. In 1965 she worked as a Farm Census Enumerator, and in 1970 as a U.S. General Census Crew Leader. From 1971 to 1974 Geraldine was employed as a Staff Assistant to Congressman William J. Scherle, and from 1975 until her retirement in August of 1992 she worked for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City at the Omaha branch. After her retirement, Gerry kept very busy! In 1993 she began training and showing her papillon dogs, Tish and Spike, in agility, obedience, and conformation and she earned many titles and awards. Gerry was also involved with the Therapy Dog program at Jennie Edmundson hospital. She was a member of the Papillon Club of America and the Bellevue Dog Obedience Club of Nebraska. Gerry was a very accomplished quilter, and she also made many interesting dolls. Gardening was a passion all of her life, and she enjoyed her membership in the Pioneer Garden Club. Gerry also loved to read, and could often be found with a book in her hand when she wasn't sewing. She led a very full and active life, and had many plans for the future.
Geraldine was proceeded in death by her parents, her sister Winifred Hopp Kemmish, and her infant daughter, Gloria. She is survived by her husband Gerald, her sons Gary Forristall and wife Diane, Greg Forristall and wife Carol, and Gayle Forristall and wife Marga, daughter Gerianne Forristall Darnell and husband Dr. George Darnell, grandsons Kevin Forristall, Philip Forristall, and Thomas Forristall, granddaughters Stephanie Forristall and Hillary Forristall Hughes and husband John, niece Kathleen Kemmish Novak and husband Tom, and nephew Frederick Kemmish.