Geraldine E. Stieve

Our loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at the Bay City Comfort Care with her family by her side at the age of 99. The daughter of the late Henry and Martha (Hoerauf) Behmlander was born December 31, 1925 in Bay City, Michigan. She married Russell Stieve of Auburn, April 30, 1949 at St. Paul Lutheran Church (Frankenlust). Sadly Russell predeceased her in 1998. Geraldine's life was marked by her unwavering dedication to her family, faith and community.

Geraldine (Gerry) was a proud lifetime member of St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, where she actively participated in the Ladies Aide for many years and was the eldest member of the congregation at the time of her passing. She also volunteered at the local economy center, embodying the spirit of service and generosity that defined her character. 

Throughout her life, Gerry enjoyed a variety of pastimes that brought her immense joy. She relished going on road trips, always with a map in her lap, and cherished moments spent traveling to the cottage by the lake. Her love for boating, baking, and cooking showcased her nurturing nature, which was especially evident in the time she spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Gerry is survived by her four children: Thomas (Lori) Stieve of Bellingham, Washington; Wayne (Betty) Stieve of Essexville, Michigan; Sharon E. Garrett of Bay City, Michigan; and Brian (Wendy Jewell) of Pigeon, Michigan. In addition to her children, she is remembered fondly by her three grandchildren, Anica Stieve, Alec Stieve and Perry Garrett, as well as her six great-grandchildren. Her legacy continues through her brothers, Eugene (Viola) Behmlander and James (Kay) Behmlander; and sister-in-law, Shirley Wegener, along with many nieces and nephews. 

Gerry was preceded in death by her beloved brother-in-law and sister, Norman Stieve and Ilene (Behmlander) Stieve, her daughter in-law Beth (Lohrke) Stieve and many brothers and sisters-in-laws, who now embrace her in eternal peace. 

Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Frankenlust. Officiating will be pastor Dennis Matyas with Committal following in St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will take place at the Gephart Funeral Home on Monday, February 3, 2025 from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the St. Paul Ministry Center. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to McLaren Hospital and McLaren Bay Hospice for their compassionate care they provided to Geraldine.