Geraldine Mae Wildman, 86, passed away at Ivy Court in Coeur d'Alene, on Friday, Oct. 29, 2010.

Geraldine, who also went by "Gerry," was born in Superior, Mont., on Nov. 29, 1923, to Marshall and Leona (Otto) Sparks. Gerry grew up in the Silver Valley area with six siblings: two brothers and four sisters. She graduated from Kingston High School in 1941 then moved to Spokane to attend nursing school.

Geraldine married Lester O. Wildman on Aug. 23, 1957, in Coeur d'Alene. The two met at a Mica Flats Grange dance in May and married three months later.

Gerry worked as an LPN until settling into family life with Lester and her three sons. She then made her living as a homemaker, but never missed an opportunity to help work on their family farm. She loved farming.

She enjoyed other outdoor activities as well: fishing, hunting and gardening. She was an avid card player, pinnacle was a favorite. She loved to read, and made beautiful quilts.

Gerry was actively involved in the Mica Flats Grange for more than 50 years, and was also involved with the Happy Family Club.

She is survived by her husband, Lester O. Wildman of Coeur d'Alene; three sons: William B. Turner of Coeur d'Alene, Terry L. Turner (Wendy) of Hawaii and Craig L. Turner (Barbara) of Hauser Lake; three sisters: Gladys S. Clark of Benton City, Wash.; Joan Osborne (Marv) of Kennewick, Wash., and Erma M. Williams of Coeur d'Alene; five grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gerry is preceded in death by her parents, Marshall and Leona; two brothers: Marshall Ryan and Richard Ryan; and a sister: Coralee Perry.

Memorials may be made in Geraldine's name to "The Children's Village," 1350 W. Hanley Road, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815 or at www.thechildrensvillage.org.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 5, 2010, at English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene. Immediately following the service, Gerry will be laid to rest at Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens. A potluck reception will follow the burial at the Mica Flats Grange, 7465 W. Kidd Island Road, Coeur d'Alene.

English Funeral Chapel, Coeur d'Alene, has been entrusted to handle the funeral arrangements. Please visit Gerry's online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.