Geraldine Jean McFarland

1951 - 2021

Gerri McFarland crossed over and went to heaven, in her sleep, on April 9th, 2021 with her devoted husband, Patrick, and special niece, Christie Wall by her bedside.  She was 69. Gerri grew up in Anoka, Minnesota and graduated from Anoka Senior High in 1969.  She went on to Anoka Ramsey CC and received her AA degree in 1971 and received her BA from St. Cloud State College in 1974 which included her student teaching.  She was certified K-12 as an art teacher.  In 1975 she was hired as an art instructor by Anoka Hennepin ISD#11.  She taught thousands of students in many elementary schools over her career, but her home school and first in her heart was Sorteberg in Coon Rapids.   She loved her students. She loved her co-workers and she loved teaching.  By all accounts she was an excellent teacher.  She retired from teaching in 2011. Her family was very important to her.  She loved those who proceeded her to heaven:  Her parents, Ray, and Elfie Moe, her mother-in-law Anne McFarland, her older brother Kilmer Moe, her older sister Carol, and her husband Gary Schake, her nephew Mark Schake and special niece Robin Gustra.  And she loved her little kitty of 26 years, Tribble.  Gerri also dearly loved her family who survive her:  her special niece Christie who was more like a sister (since they were so close in age), her older sister Joan and her husband Pinkie Bowlby and their children Todd and Jay, her nephew Michael Schake, and his wife Tammy and their 3 kids, Mitchell, Jacob and Justyne, her brothers -in-law Dan and wife Cathy and Tom and his Daughter Maggie.  Most of all she loved her best friend and husband, Patrick.  They were high school sweethearts and constant companions who were together for over 53 years. When healthy, Gerri loved to travel, especially to a beach and/or ocean.  She enjoyed gardening, reading and crafts.  She loved getting together with friends and family.  She loved her townhouse and her neighbors, especially Joan McNally.  And she loved her pontoon on the Mississippi. Gerri was a kind, caring, and gentle soul who will be missed by all.  A special thanks to the awesome team from Allina hospice and to the staff of Homestead at Anoka TCU unit 2 for making Gerri's final days comfortable. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at 3 p.m. at The Mill Site, 111 Harrison Street, Anoka with visitation one hour prior. Fellowship and refreshments will be served onsite following the service.