Geraldine M. "Jerry" Roen

Geraldine "Jerry" M. Roen, age 96, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 7, 2022 at Freedom Square in Seminole, FL.
Born in Oakland, Maine, Jerry was the daughter of Alonzo and Muriel (Ellsworth) McPherson. She spent her youth in Maine before moving with her family to Connecticut to support the WWII efforts. It was during these years she met a young, blond hair and blue-eyed sailor who eventually became her husband. She married Ralph M. Roen on August 11, 1946 and they remained married for 56-years until he passed away.
There were several common themes that carried through Jerry's entire life. Her faith, friendships and the generosity to the community around her.
After marriage, Jerry and Ralph moved to Wisconsin. It was during her Wisconsin years she raised her son, Keith L. Roen, and daughter, Jean E. Dunker. Jerry was a leader for 4-H in which her children were involved. She was active in her church, Mt. Olive Lutheran and later Elm Grove Lutheran. This included many years of singing in the church choir with close friends. Music had been part of her entire life.
The next chapter took her to Longview, Texas to support Ralph's career. In Longview, she found independence as an empty nester. Jerry volunteered time at the local hospital taking pictures of newborns. She was very involved in the church and cultivated many friendships over her 13 years as a Texan.
Retirement years took Jerry and Ralph to South Pasadena, Florida. It was during those years she enjoyed many travel adventures on their sailboat, cruises and visiting family in Wisconsin and California. Jerry was an avid baker and always had fresh cookies for visitors in town.
Jerry's final years were spent at Freedom Square in Seminole, Fl. She was a member of the selection committee for the Freedom Square Scholarship Fund, attended Seminole First Baptist Church and continued to stay in touch with family and friends.
Survivors include her son, Keith L. Roen, and her daughter, Jean (David) Dunker. She has five grandchildren: Kelly Roen; Patrick Roen; T.J. Dunker (Courtney); LTC Bryan Dunker (Katherine); Kim Reistad (Nick); five great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Private family graveside services will be held at Evergreen Cemetery, Manitowoc at a later date. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Freedom Square Scholarship Fund, Suncoast Hospice, or Seminole First Baptist Church.
Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, WI will assist the family.
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