Geraldine “Gerry” Souhrada, 96

This past week Geraldine “Gerry” Souhrada passed away peacefully surrounded by her three loving sons and a granddaughter.

Born to Walter “Barney” and Bernice Kellogg, Gerry was 96 years old. She lived most of her young life in Kalispell attending school there through her graduation from Flathead High School.

After high school, Gerry continued to live and work in the Kalispell area where she served as a paralegal for a local law firm. It was during this time she met the first love of her life, Robert “Bob” Souhrada. 

They were married for over 50 years and raised three boys Terry, Mark, and Scott. Raising these three became her full time job, each becoming her pride and joy. Throughout her life she would proudly tell of her sons’ successes, often repeatedly, to anyone who would listen.

When the boys left to pursue their careers, Gerry went back to work as a receptionist for a local dentist. After Bob retired as an educator and she from the dental receptionist position, they traveled around the Northwest playing golf. Gerry also spent much of the winter months participating in numerous bowling leagues. When not athletically engaged Gerry and Bob would visit their sons’ families and spend time with their four grandchildren, Tassie and Jamie (Terry and Kathy Souhrada) and Conor and Carly (Scott and Donna Souhrada).

These grandchildren quickly became the new focus of Gerry’s conversations. She was even more proud of them than she was of her own boys. Living to be 96 brings even more joy. Gerry got to see the arrival of her four great-grandkids. And continuing the pattern, these four quickly became the loves of her life.

Unfortunately, living to the age of 96 also brings heartache. In the spring of 2004, Gerry’s first love Bob unexpectedly passed away. After a few years of what she described as “extremely lonely living” she connected with a former classmate, Ivan O’Neil. Ivan had also recently lost his wife of many years, Marian. The relationship began with Gerry and Ivan attending local events and Gerry serving as Ivan’s driver due to his legal blindness. Eventually the relationship blossomed and the two began traveling around the world together and became inseparable. Ivan twice asked Gerry to marry him. Evidently the second time was the charm. The couple were married in the summer of 2020 both at the age of 91.

With their marriage Gerry inherited an entire new set of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren which she loved and bragged about as if they were her own.

Heart break would again visit Gerry in July of 2025 when she lost her second true love. Ivan passed away due to medical complications. She again faced what she saw as a very lonely existence. While living alone, Gerry fell, hitting her head which resulted in her hospitalization. Gerry Souhrada passed away due to complications of the head injury in mid-August.

Gerry had a full, healthy, and happy life filled with love and joy and the opportunity to share it with two amazing men. She is survived by her three sons and their partners, Terry (Kathy); Mark (Irene); and Scott (Donna); four grandchildren and four great- grandchildren; as well as Ivan’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

No services are planned. If you wish to make an honorarium in her name please do so to the Immanuel Living Foundation, American Cancer Society, or American Heart Association.