Geralean Viola McLaughlin

Geralean McLaughlin, 98, formerly of Donahue and Eldridge, Iowa, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Kahl Home in Davenport.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Faith Lutheran Church in Eldridge. Lunch will be served following the service. She will be laid to rest at Allen’s Grove Cemetery with a private committal service. Memorials are suggested to Faith Lutheran Church.

Geralean Viola Thompson was born October 22, 1924, in Lake City, South Dakota, the daughter of Paul and Cora (Iverson) Thompson. She grew up near Brittan, South Dakota. Geralean met Leo McLaughlin while working for his family, and they were married on January 4, 1945. The couple moved to Rock Island, Illinois, where they started their family. They later settled in Donahue, Iowa, having purchased farmland. They farmed until retirement, moving to Eldridge. Leo passed away in 2004.

Geralean had been a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Dixon, and more recently was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church in Eldridge. She taught Sunday School for many years, and always participated in the women’s ministries. Geralean enjoyed sewing and was an excellent seamstress. She made many bridesmaids’ and wedding dresses, and was skilled in working with stretch-n-sew fabric and making leather purses. She also enjoyed quilting with her best friend, Ardelle.

Surviving are her children, Donna Knapper of Davenport, and Patrick McLaughlin of Union; grandchildren, Jeff (Carey) Knapper, Gina Guajardo, Clint, Ryan, and Nick McLaughlin; 4 great-grandchildren; a son-in-law, Gary (Connie) Rohwer; many nieces and nephews; and Wendy Kraft.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Dianne Rohwer, son-in-law, Gary Knapper, granddaughter, Jane Knapper, siblings, Marvin, Lorraine, Edna, and Carol, and her special friends, Ardelle Kraft and Elda Ewoldt.

Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Geralean Viola McLaughlin, please visit our floral store.