M. Catherine Geriets

M. Catherine Geriets, 101, of Springfield, Illinois, passed away at Mill Creek Alzheimer's Special Care Center in Springfield on August 5, 2025. She was born on January 4, 1924, to George and Bertha (nèe Mohn) Ackerman in Petersburg, Illinois. She married Herman G. Geriets in January of 1942. He preceded her in death in 1988. She later married Paul L. Stark in June of 1996. He preceded her in death in 2013. Catherine was a member of the St. Paul's United Church of Christ, later known as St. Paul's Evangelical Free Church, since 1942 where she was member of the Rachel Circle, Tabitha Circle and on the church council for many years. In her working years, she worked on a farm and was a Registered Nurse at St. Mary's Hospital in Tucson, Arizona. She also worked for the State of Illinois in the Department of Public Health, State Employee's Retirement System, Public Aid and Illinois State Police District 9. Catherine is survived by two children, Linda (husband Ken) Schiltz of Prescott Valley, Arizona, and Sheri (husband Steve) DiGiovanna of Athens, Illinois; five grandchildren, Brian, Kendra, Justin, Scott and Dan; and five great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; both of her husbands; and her son, Kenneth Geriets. A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg, Illinois. The funeral service will immediately follow at 11:00 am with Pastor Mike Smoron officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Petersburg. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's Evangelical Free Church, 209 W. Douglas St, Petersburg, Illinois 62675. Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg is assisting Catherine's family with arrangements. Please visit hurleyfh.com for Catherine's online obituary.