Kathleen (Kathy) Marie Geraci, age 80, passed away May 3, 2026 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.  She was born July 11, 1945 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin the fourth of eleven children of James and Elaine (Swanke) Neidhoefer.  She was a deeply curious and intelligent woman who double majored in Math and Philosophy at Marquette University in Milwaukee. Married to the love of her life, Sebastian Geraci for nearly 57 years, she has 5 living children and 10 grandchildren.

Throughout her life she gave all of her being in love to her family.  And it shows.

It shows in the life of her husband, Sam.  Whether it was galoshes for a rainstorm or meeting him at the corner with the kids- Kathy was there for him.  Kathy lives on through Sam- through his prayers and his pursuit of a greater understanding of God and Christianity and through his ongoing involvement with his family.

It shows in the lives of her children: Sebastian II (Caroline), Rose, James, Joseph (Susan), and Rebecca (Chris).  With humor and resilience, she tailored her parenting to the specific needs of each of her children so that they might all have the opportunity to learn the importance of Christian values and to develop themselves into independent people with an understanding of responsibility, a belief in kindness, an appreciation for beauty and joy.  

It shows in the lives of her grandchildren.  Grandmother to Sebastian III, Elizabeth, Joshua, Sophia, Molly, Jacob, Juliet, Anne, Anabel, and Wyatt.  She dedicated 10 years away from her home in Eau Claire to raising Joshua and Jacob, whose lives would not be the same without her loving commitment.

It shows in the family and friends gathering together, personally or in prayer, to honor her.  President of the Immaculata Society, and volunteer at the Eau Claire Library, at The Salvation Army and at the Regis High School Math Program.

 
Kathy will be welcomed by her parents James and Elaine, and her sister Jeanette. She will be lovingly remembered by nine siblings Charles, Rose, Mary Paul, Nona, Jill Ann, Cecilia, Therese, Elaine, and Judith and by extended family and dear friends.

Kathleen’s legacy of compassion, prayer and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A Wake will be held on Thursday May 7, from 4-7 PM at Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Eau Claire, Wisconsin with a Christian Vigil at 7pm. The funeral service will be on Friday, May 8 at 11a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church and Kathleen will be laid to rest at Calvary Catholic Cemetery immediately following the service. The family warmly invites all who attend to join them for a luncheon following the burial.

Kathy was deeply missionary in her heart and in her lifestyle.  Over the years the family has been in touch with the work of the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales in Northeast India.  In lieu of flowers, feel free to donate to the Missionaries in India.
To Donate Online: please click on the following link:
https://swipesimple.com/links/lnk_2113c5a3 Or Go to www.ic-ec.us  Go to the homepage and click the “Give Online” button.  To pay by check: Checks may be made out to Immaculate Conception Parish. In the memo line, please write: Kathy Geraci Memorial- India Missions.

The Hulke Family Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kathleen "Kathy" Neidhoefer (Neidhoefer) Geraci, please visit our floral store.