Geraldine A. "Gerry" Jucius

Geraldine "Gerry" A. Jucius 81, of Beloit, Wisconsin, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin.

Gerry was born on October 10, 1944, in Berwyn, Illinois, the daughter of Anthony and Shirley (Uza) Jucius.

Gerry grew up in Aurora, llinois, attending Montgomery Elementary, Franklin Middle School, and Aurora High School. She was an exemplary student and still had all her report cards. As a student Gerry was involved in various activities, committees and played both Volleyball and Tennis.

Gerry was a graduate of Michigan State University in 1962, where she majored in counseling and physical education and also studied politics and history. During her time at Michigan State, Gerry was an academic scholar, made the Dean's List, and was honorary president of the dormitory. She also tutored many students namely Bubba Smith, Gene Washington and was a lifelong friend of Dick Butkis.

During her summers Gerry worked for the Aurora Park District as the director of the green playgrounds. It was there she learned to love children and decided that she wanted to help kids.Upon graduating from Michigan State. Gerry began working in the Rockford Public School District in Rockford, Illinois. During her time in Rockford, Gerry assisted in setting up the Rockford Park District.

After leaving the Rockford School District, Gerry began what become a 40 year career with the Beloit School District, where she was a beloved guidance counselor at Aldrich Middle School. During her time in the district, Gerry also served as a cheerleader coach at Beloit Memorial High School. Gerry's highlights were always her students. Ms. Jucius had story upon story about moments shared with students and their families. She said that while working in the Beloit School district she was lucky to work with good principles such as; Mr. Karney, Mr. Henning, and Mr. Terry. Gerry also loved being able to work with her best friend of 50 years, Phyllis Farmum.

Gerry loved the Christmas season and was known for hosting the best Christmas parties with beautifully decorated trees and numerous Santa Clauses. Prior to retiring, Gerry made the decision to move her parents from Boulder, Colorado to Beloit which enabled her to provide and oversee the care of them. After retiring, Gerry continued the care for her parents until their passings. Even then she continued to be an ear and resource to her neighbors, friends, and students that continued to follow her.

Gerry is survived by her son in love, LaMar Pulliam of Beloit, Wisconsin; brother-in-law, Donald Shiker of Boulder, Colorado; nephew, Brian (Christy) Shiker of Arlington, Virginia; great-niece, Elizabeth Shiker; great-nephew, Nicholas Shiker. Gerry was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony and Shirley Jucius; sister. Jacqueline Shiker; maternal grandparents. Joseph and Agnes Uza; paternal grandparents, Louis and Elizabeth Jucius; best friend, Phyllis Farnum; and her dog, Maddie.

The family would like to thank Beloit Health System, Dr. Teccaro, Dr. Egbujiobi, all the doctors and nurses that assisted in her care, Beloit Dialysis Center and their wonderful staff, BHS Emergency Department Doctors and staff. UW Madison Dr. Baskaya, Dr. McBride, Azura Surgery Center of Madison, Dr. Alex and Staff, St. Anthony Surgical Department in Rockford, Illinois, Autumn Lakes Nursing Home, Hometown Pharmacy in Janesville, Wisconsin, Vinces Hot Dogs, numerous friends too many to name.

Special thank you to LaMar Pulliam, the most important person in my life, thank you for your sacrifice and for taking good care of me. Essie Toles, Nona DeRosier, Ann Harrell, Heather, Jonathan Wiggins, dear friends, Marilyn Fasit, Tim Wofford, and Barry Upshaw; and LaMar's brothers and sisters.

Most importantly I'd like to thank Jessie and Thomas Pulliam. In 1980, before moving to Louisville, Kentucky they professionally, personally, and legally entrusted me with the care of their son, LaMar so that he could finish school in Beloit. I made a promise to them to take very good care of him. And I look forward to letting them know he has taken very good care of me as well. To all my kids thank you for letting me share a little of my life with you.

A memorial visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Hansen-Gravitt Funeral Home, 424 Prospect Street, Beloit, Wisconsin 53511. Online condolences can be shared at www.hansengravitt.com.

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