Geraldine 'Geri' Iola Anderson Eckstrom, 89, of Duluth, formerly of Ironwood, Mich., died Jan. 11, 2008 after a long illness, with her family by her side. Geri was born in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Jan. 14, 1919. At 14 months she was adopted from an orphanage in Hancock, Mich., by Charles and Etta (Douglass) Anderson of Stambaugh, Mich. In 1936 she graduated with honors from Stambaugh H.S., where she was involved in thespians, student council, the school paper and girl reserves. Upon graduation she was proud to be the recipient of a full scholarship to Eastern Michigan University. Since circumstances did not ultimately allow her to attend college, she worked at a variety of jobs in the Stambaugh area, including the tourist bureau, where she fulfilled the role of 'Miss Information'. At age 20, she moved to Chicago where she spent seven years (through the war years) working for MCA (the Music Corp. of America, now Universal Studios) booking big bands into venues across the country. It was a rich and exciting time in her life. Upon the death of her father, she returned to Stambaugh to assist her mother as caretaker at the U of MI Forestry School camp on nearby Golden Lake. She then worked for Pickands Mather Mining Co. as a secretary in one of the iron mine offices, where she met Robert Henning Eckstrom. They were married in 1948. In 1954 they moved to Ironwood, Mich., where they raised their family and where she lived until 2001 when she moved to Duluth to be close to her daughter. Geri regretted her lost opportunity to attend college, but her keen intelligence and lively curiosity led her to be an avid reader and life long learner. She loved the outdoors in all seasons; walks, swimming, exploring. She played bridge until the month prior to her death and had an active interest in politics and current events til the end of her life. Most of all she loved people and animals and spending time with both. She will be greatly missed by friends and family. Geri is survived by her children, Tom Eckstrom of Placerville, Calif., and Lindis 'Linde' Eckstrom (Chris Rohrer) of Duluth; grandchildren, Leah Eckstrom and Ethan and Zachary Richards; as well as her extended Stryker/Rohrer family and many beloved friends. The family would like to thank St. Luke's Hospice, in particular, her nurses Cheryl and Shelia; and the staff of 2W at St. Luke's Hospital for the excellent care and support they provided to Geri and her family during this difficult time. MEMORIAL SERVICES:11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008 in Ironwood, Mich., in the First Presbyterian Church with visitation at 10:30 a.m. In addition, a celebration of her life will be held on June 28, 2008 at the site of her bench at Brighton Beach in Duluth. More information will follow regarding the second gathering. Memorials in her name may be directed to Animal Allies of Duluth at 407 W. Michigan, Duluth, MN 55802.
This obituary was originally published in the Duluth News Tribune.
