Emily Geraldine Shimock Ploetz
Emily Geraldine “Geri” Shimock Ploetz, 94, of Baraboo, died Oct. 26, 2009 at St. Clare Hospital in Baraboo, of complications from pneumonia.
Geri was born Aug. 5, 1915 in Mt. Carmel, Pa. to John F. and Catherine (Perginski) Shimock. She was the second of six siblings. Geri attended Catholic grade school and high school and then pursued her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Commerce and Finance from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa. She graduated in 1938 with honors. She then taught high school business, economics and finance classes in Pennsylvania. She was married to Leonard H. Ploetz on Nov. 9, 1946. Len passed away in November 2004 at age 93. Their marriage was truly one for the ages, with everlasting love and admiration for each other. Geri and her beloved Len founded Ploetz Furniture in 1948, which has continued to be operated by their daughter, Joan, who also lovingly managed their health care in their elderly years.
Geri was an avid golfer and bridge player, winning numerous tournaments. She was an accomplished woman of many talents: gourmet cooking, landscape painting and interior designing. She was a member of numerous organizations: AAUW, Baraboo County Club, The Rosary League and St. Clare Hospital Auxiliary, to name a few.
Geri was a gracious hostess who loved good food, dancing and socializing and had a wonderful smile that could light up a room. She was especially proud of her two grandchildren and their accomplishments and even spoke of them on the day she died.
She is survived by her daughters, Joan M. Ploetz of Baraboo and Kathleen P. (Steve) Riepenhoff of Skillman, N.J.; two grandchildren, Matthew S. (Renee Scalise) Riepenhoff of Ewing, N.J. and Courtney Riepenhoff of Wallingford, Conn. She is also survived by her brother, John F. Shimock and his wife, Pearl, of Mt. Carmel, Pa.; other relatives and friends.
Geri was preceded in death by her brothers, Edwin and Robert Shimock; and sisters, Phyllis (Joseph) DeSimone and Rita (Bernie) Radzai, all of Pennsylvania.
Visitation will be on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Redlin Funeral Home, 401 Madison Ave. in Baraboo with a rosary to be recited at 4:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, 2009 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Baraboo celebrated by Msgr. Felix Oehrlein. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
Geri brought immeasurable joy and love to everyone who knew her and will be sorely missed.