Gerry’s life was devoted to her family. She most loved being with her children and grandchildren. After returning to the Belleville area, Gerry enjoyed spending time with her brother and sisters, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
In her retirement years, she found great joy working with the students at Washington Elementary School in Belleville, and her two favorite teachers. A tradition of annual cousins’ reunions was born a number of years ago. The antics and laughter of these weekends were recounted in stories in the months after. Her “club” group of friends from school continued to meet monthly and this was always a highlight. Gerry often commented how the Sequence game nights were a great opportunity for deepening family friendships. Being a life-long St. Louis Cardinals fan, she enjoyed a trip to the stadium and never missed watching the games on television.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur J. and Leona, nee Dressel, Vernier.
Surviving are her loving husband of 62 years, Paul Zollner, whom she married on June 26, 1954;
seven children, Steve (Sue) Zollner of Scottsdale, AZ,
Dan (Becky) Zollner of Naperville, IL,
Laurie Schanot of Columbia, MO,
Roger (Wanda) Zollner of Fayetteville, NC,
Kathy (Brad) Miller of Columbia, MO,
Debbie (Bob) Davis of Bartlett, IL,
and Kristie (Scot) Bode of Batavia, IL;
14 grandchildren, Pat (Kassie) Zollner of Columbus, OH,
Matt (Liz) Zollner of New York, NY
Jacqui (Tom) Martino of Chicago, IL
Lisa Zollner of Chicago, IL,
Stephanie (Bailey) Poletti of St. Paul, MN,
Katie (Mike) Jeck of St. Louis, MO,
David Schanot of Oklahoma City, OK,
Sarah (Nate) McQueen of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba,
Lexi and Ryan Miller of Columbia, MO,
Zachary Davis of Elmsford, NY,
Andrew Davis (Hayley Walbeck) of Madison, WI,
and Josh and Taylor Bode of Batavia, IL;
two great-grandchildren, Amelia and Jacob Zollner;
three sisters, Nancy Sprinz of Swansea, IL,
Janice Miller of Belleville, IL,
and Bonnie (Rich) Rujawitz of Belleville, IL
one brother, Arthur Vernier of Belleville, IL;
two sisters-in-law, Barbara (Vernon) Reinacher of Troy, IL,
and Rita Zollner of Albers, IL;
a brother-in-law, Lawrence Zollner of California;
and nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, to Hospice of Southern Illinois, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit with the family from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 14, 2017, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, May 15, 2017, at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Monday, May 15, 2017, at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. William McGhee officiating. Burial will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
Arrangements by George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Condolences Left For Geraldine Zollner
Dan,my Condolences to you and the families.
She will forever be in your hearts.
Dolores Henry, Alsip, Illinois , 60803
Paul and family, you have my deepest sympathy. I will keep you in my prayers.
Kimberley Power, O’Fallon, IL, 62269
Sending prayers to your family at this time of sorrow.
Ellen Reinacher, Lebanon, Il, 62254