GERALDINE (JERRY) GEORGINE STREIFF
Geraldine (Jerry) Georgine Streiff was born February 22, 1933, to Jack and Emma Storey in Warroad, MN. She died peacefully following an extended illness June 11, 2024, with her son, John at her side attended by the wonderful nursing staff of Rainy Lake Medical Center.
Jerry and Floyd Streiff were married June 17, 1951, in Warroad, MN. In 1953, the couple moved with their one-year-old daughter, Pat, to International Falls where Floyd and Jerry went to work in the MANDO paper mill and Park Grocery, respectively. Floyd subsequently built a home for the family of six in town and then another on the Van Lynn Road. In addition to working as produce manager at the grocery store, Jerry led a 4-H group for years and was an active and loyal member of First Lutheran Church. She later groomed dogs in the basement of the family home while taking a correspondence course in flower arrangement. After twenty years, Jerry retired from Park Grocery and opened Streiff's Floral and Gifts in Shannon Square in downtown International Falls before eventually moving her business to 200 Fourth Avenue. The business was a family affair managed by Jerry six days a week from 4:30 am until closing with her daughter, Joy and son, John by her side. Floyd spread joy throughout the community by delivering flowers. When not at the shop or making lefsa to sell, Jerry enjoyed picking blueberries, working in the garden, and canning vegetables.
During her younger years, Jerry and Floyd enjoyed bowling with a team, Jerry played on a women's softball team, cross country skied, and she enjoyed crocheting. Both Jerry and Floyd were loyal attendees at their children's and grandchildren's sporting events.
Jerry was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Emma Storey; her husband, Floyd; and her son, Harvey. Siblings preceding her in death include George Storey, Betty Fish, Curley Calonico, Lester Storey, Joy Phillipe, Addie Streiff and Mae Steele.
Jerry is survived by her daughters, Pat (Jim) Mitchell, and Joy (Don) Porter; her son, John (Tami) Streiff; grandchildren: Lynette (Scott) Strickland, Nick (Cryt) Alleman, Bill (Nikki) Alleman, Kirsten (Mike) Davis, Kyla Streiff (Calvin Nelson), Josie (Warren) Fisher, and Dylan Streiff; great-grandchildren: Kaleb Brown, Zoe Gizinski, Eva Gizinski, Ethan Alleman, Casey Alleman, Hope Alleman, Marley Alleman, Ellen Davis and Blair Nelson. Jerry is also survived by her siblings, Lois Olson, Dorothy Jesme, Delphine Lefke, and Walter and Ted Storey.
Memorials are suggested to First Lutheran Church of International Falls in Jerry's name.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 29th at 11:00 am at First Lutheran Church in International Falls. A visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service.
Condolences may be left on
www.greenlarsen.com. Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary, Inc.
Published by Rainy Lake Gazette from Jun. 17 to Jun. 21, 2024.