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Geraldine Louise Van Beveren Streckfuss of Columbus, Texas, age 89, passed away on Sept. 28, 2023 at Methodist West Hospital in Houston, Texas surrounded by her five children.
Geraldine was born at home on May 12, 1934 in Gonzales, Texas to Richard and Adelia Van Beveren. She was the youngest of four children by nine years with one older brother, Robert Van Beveren and two older sisters, Bertha Wenzel and Florine Girouard. Geraldine was born during the Great Depression and often said she felt like she was “just another mouth to feed” during a time when her family was struggling to survive. Her life is proof God had great plans.
Geraldine graduated from Gonzales High School in 1952. During high school and until her first child was born in 1962, she worked at the First National Bank in Gonzales as a teller and was later promoted to manager of the note department. Geraldine met the love of her life, Daniel Charles Streckfuss on a blind date in mid-1956. They were married on May 18, 1957 in Gonzales and lived there for 15 years. They had four children, John, Martha, Joseph and Jill and built a wonderful life and family in Gonzales.
In 1972, Dan’s job with the US Department of Agriculture brought them to Columbus. Geraldine said this move was extremely difficult for her. They left their dream home, family, friends and the only life she had ever known. Life had a way of moving on. God blessed them with their fifth child, Lisa after moving to Columbus in 1973.
Geraldine and Dan enjoyed their new beginning in Columbus and quickly became involved in volunteering. They enjoyed many years of being involved at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and School and other community organizations. They had a wonderful life for 33 years until Dan’s death on November 13, 1990.
After her husband’s death, with fierce determination and independence and a focus on God and her Catholic faith, Geraldine started over. She worked in the administrative office of the Columbus McDonald’s from 1986 - 1991 before being hired at the First State Bank in Columbus in May of 1991. Geraldine worked at the First State Bank for 14 years and enjoyed every minute with her bank family. She loved seeing customers who soon became friends. She worked at her job with great joy and a welcoming smile. As a result, Geraldine was honored as the Columbus Chamber of Commerce Employee of the Year in 2002.
Retirement was not in her vocabulary, so she began volunteering at Meals On Wheels shortly after leaving the bank and was soon hired to deliver meals and assist in the office. She enjoyed being a part of this community for over 15 years. She loved “her people” very much; making many friends with whom she kept up with regularly.
Geraldine was the ult imate mom, Mommo, great-grandmother, aunt, great-aunt, friend, employee and volunteer. She had a gift for creating connections and relationships with extended family, friends and strangers passing by. She loved all people and never met a stranger. She spent hours on the phone catching up with friends and family and sent cards and letters for all occasions to show her love. She wanted to share the ups and downs of people’s lives. She truly had a gift for loving people for who they are and exactly where they needed support, love or encouragement.
Geraldine was a volunteer at St. Anthony Catholic School for many years during her chi ldren’s schooling as a room mom and library assistant. She volunteered tirelessly at all other school events too and continued this involvement for many years after her children graduated. Geraldine was a member of the Catholic Daughters for 50 years serving as treasurer for a few years and in several other capacities. She was a member of St. Anthony’s Altar Society and was a lector and Eucharist Minister for many years at Mass. Geraldine’s Catholic faith was the center of her life. She also volunteered with the Columbus Community Hospital Auxiliary and Meals on Wheels for many years.
Geraldine is survived by her five children and their spouses: John and Katherine Streckfuss, Martha and Al Shimek, Joseph and Rebecca Streckfuss, Jill and Samuel Spink and Lisa and Kevin O’Shea. Grandchildren: Parker and Lauren Streckfuss, Trevor Streckfuss, Sarah Taylor, Catherine Taylor, Daniel Shimek, Adam Shimek, Lauren and Joel Hegarty, Everett Shimek, Jonathan Streckfuss and fiancée Marissa Badillo, Savannah and Trent Glueck, Samantha Streckfuss, Ryan Green, Paige Spink, Claire Spink, Sullivan O’Shea, Desmond O’Shea, Paxton O’Shea, Callahan O’Shea, Malone O’Shea and Adela O’Shea. Great grandchildren: Noah, Grace and Luke Streckfuss, Nora, Wayne and Elizabeth Hegarty and Evelyn and Elijah Glueck. Geraldine had many nieces, nephews, great nephews and nieces, cousins and countless friends who will also mourn her passing. She loved so many people and they loved her too - you know who you are. You meant so much to her and you mean so much to her family.
Geraldine was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, her husband, Daniel Charles Streckfuss and infant daughter, Laura Louise.
Funeral service was on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Fr. James Dvorak officiating. Visitation was on Monday, Oct. 2 at Henneke Funeral Home from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. and on Tuesday at church from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. A Parish Prayer Service and Rosary began on Monday at 7 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home. Burial was in St. Anthony Catholic Church.
Serving as pallbearers were Parker Streckfuss, Trevor Streckfuss, Daniel Shimek, Adam Shimek, Everett Shimek, Jonathan Streckfuss, Sullivan O’Shea, Desmond O’Shea, and Paxton O’Shea. Honorary pallbearers were Ca l lahan O’Shea and Malone O’Shea.
Memorials may be made to St. Anthony Catholic School, 635 Bonham St., Columbus, Texas 78934.
Online condolences may be given at www. hennekefuneralhome. com.
