Mary Lu Geraets, 86, of Estelline, SD and formerly of Brookings, SD passed away Monday, August 12, 2013 at Estelline Nursing and Care Center, Estelline, SD. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30am Saturday, August 17, 2013 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Estelline, SD. Visitation will be Friday, August 16, 2013 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Estelline, SD, with a Liturgical Wake Service to follow at 7:00pm. Burial will be 10:30am Monday, August 19, 2013 at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, SD. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com.
Mary Lu Schwartz daughter of Ed and Clara (Crowell) Schwartz was born July 1, 1927, in Volga, SD. When Mary Lu was 11 years old her mother passed away, leaving her to help care for her younger brothers and worked on the farm where she grew up southeast of Lake Oakwood. She attended Country School and graduated from Volga High School in 1945. After graduation, she stayed and continued to assist on the family farm for 4 years until moving to Sioux falls where she worked as a housekeeper/nanny for the Hurwitz family.
Mary Lu married Vincent Geraets on June 25, 1953 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dell Rapids, SD. They resided in Dell Rapids for a short time before moving to Mobridge, SD and resided there for over 50 years.
Mary Lu worked as an office clerk for Montana Dakota Utilities for 35 years, retiring on January 1, 1990. While living in Mobridge, Mary Lu was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. She was involved with the Catholic Daughters of America, the Altar Society, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Jaycettes and Women of the Moose Lodge. She also belonged to the Montana Dakota Utility Company Retired Group and the Red Hatters.
Mary Lu enjoyed gardening, yard work, cooking, canning, bowling and playing bridge. She especially loved her flower garden.
Vince and Mary Lu moved to Brookings in 2005 where they resided at Brookhaven Estates. In August of 2012, Vince and Mary Lu moved to the Estelline Nursing and Care Center and where she resided until her death.
Mary Lu is survived by her husband Vince of 60 years of Estelline, SD; her brother, Ralph (Donna Jean) of Estelline, SD; a sister-in-law, Darlene of Brookings, SD and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clara and Ed; a brother, Robert; two half brothers, Harold and Walter and a step-mother, Anna Mae.