Geraldine (Jerry) Arkens

Geraldine (Jerry) Arkens, age 96, formerly of Francis Creek, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, January 18, 2024 at Harbor View Assisted Living in Manitowoc, with family at her side.

Jerry was born in Chicago, Illinois on November 8, 1927, the only child of Frank and  Emily (Kostreva) Losch. She attended schools in rural Pound, Coleman and Oconto Falls, and graduated in 1945 from John Marshall High School in Chicago, Ill. In 1947, she married her high school friend & sweetheart, Merle (Bud) Arkens at Sacred Heart Church in Spruce, Wisconsin. The couple moved to Francis Creek in 1950 and lived the rest of their lives in the Rockwood/Francis Creek area.

Since her husband was very active with the Boy Scouts, she helped organize the very first "Cub Scout Troop 145" in the Rockwood-Francis Creek area and served as a member of the board. She also served as a Den Mother for six years. The couple also spent many summers at their trailer at White Potato Lake where lots of fun & fishing was done with family and friends. Jerry worked as a teller with Bank First National of Francis Creek for over 30 years until her retirement. She was an active member of St. Anne's Parish in Francis Creek and received the St. Anne's Service Award in 2012. She was also a former member of the Rockwood-Francis Creek Seniors Club. Jerry enjoyed all family get-togethers, playing cards with her friends, and watching the Packers, Brewers, and the Badger football games.

She is survived by her two sons & daughters-in-law: John (Carol) Arkens and Tom (Laurie) Arkens; seven grandchildren: Brian (Brenda) Arkens, Alan Arkens, Paul (Kari) Arkens, Craig (Diane) Arkens, Curt (Liz) Arkens, Tina (Tim) Vos, Kate (Joe) Beckwith; along with twelve great-grandchildren: Wyatt, Carson, Porter, Sadie, Finnley, Bryce, Brandt, Beckett, Colton, and Jax Arkens; and Miles and Olivia Beckwith; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Emily Losch; her husband, Bud Arkens; an infant daughter, Anne; her father-in-law & mother-in-law, Ray and Claire Arkens; and brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law: Marty & June Katzka and Ken & Janet Weger.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 22, 2024 at St. Anne's Catholic Church, Francis Creek. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be Rev. Christian Raj, with burial to follow in St. Anne's Cemetery, Francis Creek.

The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Anne's Catholic Church, Monday morning from 9:30 until 11:00 a.m. There will be no Sunday evening visitation.

Online condolences may be sent to the Arkens family by visiting www.dejamartin.com.

Lambert-Eckert Funeral Home of Mishicot is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

The Arkens family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Harbor View Assisted Living ( her home for the last 2 1/2 years ). Jerry will surely be missed; She was small, but mighty in her beliefs and love for her family & friends. Rest in Peace Mom, We love You! Til we meet again!