Germaine ‘Geri’ Shult, 81, of Winthrop
Germaine “Geri” Shult, 81, of Winthrop, wife of Sam Shult, died Tuesday, April 3, 2018, at the Ridgeview Sibley Medical Center in Arlington.
A private family service was held with the Rev. Bob Miner officiating. Congregational hymns were “Beautiful Savior,” “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” and “Beyond the Sunset.”
Honorary casket bearers were Harlow Schultz and Michael Kottke. Casket bearers were Ryan Schuch, Jeremy Schuch, Tyler Schuch, Jay Kottke, Renae Schuch and Jillian Schuch.
Germaine “Geri” Lena Shult was born Dec. 13, 1936, in Sumter Township, McLeod County, the daughter of Clarence and Della (Schleeter) Kottke. She was baptized at the Glencoe Lutheran church in Glencoe and was confirmed in her faith as a youth at Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Auburn. She received her GED. She resided in the Brownton and Stewart area before moving to the Gaylord and New Auburn area. She has resided in Winthrop since 1972.
In 1956, she was united in marriage to Charles Schuch. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Mark and Kim. In 1974, she was united in marriage to Samuel “Sam” Shult at Faith United Church in Winthrop.
Mrs. Shult was a faithful mother, wife and homemaker. Her business Kinderhaus was the first licensed day-care facility in Sibley County and was in operation for 11 years. She also owned and operated the Green Lantern Café in Gaylord. She was always thinking of others and finding ways to make people feel good. Her kindness and generosity shined in many ways, from sending letters and cards of encouragement to those in need, to buying and donating coats and jackets for the fire department auxiliary coat drive. She had a special place in her heart for animals, too, and would set out warm milk for neighborhood and stray cats in the winter.
She taught Sunday school and Bible school at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Brownton when her sons were younger. She was a member of Faith United Church in Winthrop, where she served as president of the Women’s Society, was a deaconess for several terms and was the financial secretary. She and her husband did a monthly newsletter for six years and kept in contact with church members.
Mrs. Shult loved flowers and gardening, and shared her love of flowers with others. She loved to cook and try new recipes. Cleaning, bowling, waitressing and working with the public all brought her enjoyment. She cherished the time spent with family.
Her final act of giving, her ultimate gift of compassion, was organ donation, blessing others with life and renewed hope.
She is survived by her husband, Samuel “Sam” Shult of Winthrop; sons, Mark (Jackie) Schuch of Glencoe and Kim Schuch of Gaylord; grandchildren, Ryan (Anna) Schuch, Tyler Schuch, Renae Schuch (significant other Austin), Jillian Schuch and Jeremy (Leah) Schuch; step-grandchildren, Michael (Kari) Robbinson and Stephanie Robbinson; great-grandchildren, Ashton Schuch, Madyssen Schuch and Madelynn Schuch; stepgreat-grandchildren, Marina, Anyssa, Emily, Blake, Jacob, Lucas and Aaron; sister, Lottie (Harlow) Schultz of New Auburn; brother, Michael (Arlette) Kottke of Glencoe; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Della Kottke; and mother-in-law, Anna Shult.
Arrangements were with the Dalin-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Winthrop. Online obituaries and guest book are available at www.hantge.com.
