Geralyn Coleman

Geralyn "Gerri" Rose Coleman, age 73, passed away on December 30, 2025.

Geralyn was born on October 7, 1952, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to Rosemary and Irwin Klingler. She graduated with a teaching degree from Benedictine University (formerly Illinois Benedictine College) and went on to spend 28 years teaching children-her true passion. Twenty-two of those years were spent at Oaklawn Elementary School in Oshkosh, where second grade became her favorite age. She took great joy in cultivating her students' love of reading and making school a place they were excited to be each day.

Gerri loved living in Oshkosh, where it was nearly impossible to go anywhere without running into someone she knew-and stopping to chat. Spending time with her grandson, Evan, was her absolute favorite activity, and "Meema" was her most cherished title. She also enjoyed frequent trips to Door County, Aruba, and the Northwoods.

Gerri is survived by her children, Benjamin (Elizabeth), Rebecca (Eric), and Scott; and her beloved grandson, Evan. She is also survived by her siblings: Marilyn (Larry) Alberti, Carolyn (Phil) Walton, Mark (Cindy) Klingler, Steve (Barb) Klingler, and Diane Klingler; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friend Paul Pfeiffer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rosemary and Irwin Klingler; her favorite aunt and uncle, Sissy and Herbie Klingler; her infant brother, Thomas; and her brother, David.

A celebration of Gerri's life will be held at the Lakeshore Park Four Seasons building, on 1/18/26 from 11am to 3pm. A light lunch will be offered and casual attire requested.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to the Alzheimer's Association, Oshkosh Teacher's Closet (theteacherscloset.org), or Brown Paws Rescue.