Geraldine “Geri” Byrd, 84, of Pekin, IL passed away Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Carle Health Pekin.
She was born on July 16, 1940, in Milwaukee, WI to Edward and Anna Kulesza Latawiec.
Geri married Robert Byrd on May 13, 1959, in Milwaukee, WI; he preceded her in death on January 26, 2018. When Robert passed, Geri reconnected with Buster Fisher, a lifetime friend of the family, and they spent the last six years in Edmond, OK enjoying life together with family until his passing February 14, 2025. She was also preceded in death by her grandson, Zach Voegele; her parents and siblings, Joan (Richard) Maciejewski, Jerome Latawiec, Larry Latawiec.
She is survived by her children, Dawn (Jed) Allen of Pekin, IL, Annette (Brad) Davis of Pekin, IL, Wendy (Steven) Christmann of Normal, IL, Linda Hills of Barre, VT, Patti Voegele of Monterey, CA, Bridgette (Brian) Fisher of Carrollton, TX; eighteen grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; sisters, Rosemary Venee of Montana, June Tompson of Wisconsin and several nieces and nephews.
Geri loved her family. She babysat for many children and volunteered at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Pekin for many years. Geri enjoyed reading, square dancing and round dancing. She was an avid Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs fan.
She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin where a funeral mass will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 11 a.m. with a visitation from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Father Michael Andrejek will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin in her name.
The family has entrusted Abts Mortuary in Pekin with her arrangements. Online condolences may be made at abtsmortuary.com
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