Germaine M. Okray

Germaine "Gerri" Okray, of Stevens Point, passed away at Marshfield Medical Center - River Region Hospital in Stevens Point, on June 26, 2025, at the age of 93.
Gerri was born December 7, 1931, in Stevens Point; daughter of the late Bernard and Margaret (Mrozinski) Koss. She was a lifelong resident of Stevens Point, even living with her grandparents for a time during World War II while her mother went to work at a defense plant in Milwaukee. In 1948, Gerri was a proud graduate from St. Joseph Academy.
Gerri went on to become Mrs. Al Okray. Hand in hand, the two worked hard to build a beautiful life together and were blessed with 47 years of marriage until Al's passing. As a strong, independent woman, she was dedicated to leading by example, showing the best version of herself. The most important thing in the world to her was the love of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She cherished the time spent in the pool as they were growing up and was sure to attend their events. Watching them reach milestones filled her heart with so much pride. She more than earned her status as a hero and role model to her family. In return, Gerri's family was her pillar; always there when needed for anything with their help, love, and support. When speaking of her family, Gerri would say, "I won't be here for all of your lives, but I've loved you for all of mine."
Gerri lived a life of adventure and knowledge. She was an avid reader and world traveler, traveling to 24 countries, 20 islands, visiting 46 of the 50 states, and wintering in Florida for over 30 years. Gerri loved animals and was a long time co-owner of thoroughbred race horses, including champion Flying Gerri. She was also known for having a vast collection of elephants. Gerri was also a pioneer as she was the first woman elected to the National Potato Board, one of the original members of the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxillary (WPGA), and the second woman inducted into the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA). Furthermore, she served as President for the WPGA for three terms. While Gerri was a hard worker and a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she was also a great friend. When she could, she loved spending time with them at the casino, laughing together and creating lasting memories.
Gerri is lovingly survived by her children, Tracy Thrun (Chuck), Jim Okray (Heidi), and Vicki Peskie (Alan); her grandchildren, Alex Okray (Anna), Kaitlyn Grupp (Alex), Annalisa Okray, Charlie Okray, and Sam Peskie; and her great-grandchild, Hazel Okray.
Gerri was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Al Okray; her brother, Jerome Koss; and her parents, Bernard and Margaret Koss.
For those wishing to express their sympathies, the family kindly requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Portage County, where a memorial will be established in her name.
The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Dominee Manzon and her assistant, Courtney, as well as all of the nurses at Marshfield Clinic/Hospital in Stevens Point, for the exceptional care provided to Gerri and her family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at St. Peter Catholic Church (800 Fourth Avenue, Stevens Point). Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, with a General Rosary beginning at 6:30 PM, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Shuda Funeral Chapel (3200 Stanley Street, Stevens Point), and again at the church in the St. Faustina Room on Thursday from 10:00 AM until the time of service.
Shuda Funeral Chapel is honored to be assisting the family.