Geraldine Renee (Raede) "Gerry" Kimmel

Geraldine  Renee “Gerry” Kimmel, age 73, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away at 9:53 A.M. on Friday, February 2, 2018 at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital with her loving family by her side.  She was born on January 7, 1945 in East St. Louis, Illinois, the daughter of the late Walter and Lorena (Brown) Raede.  She married Larry Ray Kimmel on June 20, 1963 in Odin, Illinois and he preceded her in death on April 27, 1986.

Gerry is survived by her son, Larry Ray “Herb” Kimmel, Jr. and special friend Sherry Curry of Centralia, Illinois; granddaughters, Abbey Kimmel of Centralia, Illinois and Lauren Kimmel of Centralia, Illinois; sister, Judy Rataj of Chesterfield, Missouri; several nephews and nieces including Corey Rataj of St. Louis, Missouri, Carri Vick and husband John of Chesterfield, Missouri and Kelly Terrell and husband Lee of Australia and many great-nephews and great-nieces.

In addition to her parents, Gerry was preceded in death by her husband; 1 brother; 5 sisters; father-in-law, Raymond Albert Kimmel, mother-in-law, Jewell Doris Kimmel and special furry companion, Buddy.

Gerry was born into and baptized in the Catholic faith.  She was later a member of the First Baptist Church in Centralia, Illinois, where she was baptized into the Baptist faith.  She was a crafty lady, who made lovely centerpieces and amended jewelry and shoes.  She was an avid yard sale attendee and enjoyed her lottery scratch off tickets.

She enjoyed watching her television shows, including Wheel of Fortune and The Golden Girls. Gerry was an animal lover to the end of her earthly life.  She cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her two granddaughters.  She always looked forward to family gatherings, cook-outs and parties.  She was known as a surrogate mom to many people and was a mother and grandmother to many children in her community.

Gerry was a beautician out of her home beauty salon and retired in 1994 after 30 years of service in her community.  She worked with her husband and managed L&R Video in Centralia, Illinois for 10 years.  Gerry was a wife and mother, who was a caregiver to her parents, grandparents and family.  She has lived in Centralia, Illinois since 1979 and formerly lived in Belleville, Illinois.

A Celebration of Life Service for Mrs. Geraldine Renee “Gerry” Kimmel will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 10, 2018, at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois with Pastor Quinton Runyon officiating.  A Memorial Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 12:00 P.M. until the time of services at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 10, 2018, at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are appreciated and will be received at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois.  Please view the online obituary, send condolences or share memories with Mrs. Kimmel’s family at www.moranfuneralhome.net or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.

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