Obituary for Geraldine C. Wilson

Geraldine C. (Mathys) Wilson passed away peacefully, February 23, 2024 at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in West Union.

Geraldine was born July 26, 1923 at the homesite on The Ridge Road, to parents, H.B. (Hank) Mathys and Iva Bennett Mathys.  She was nicknamed “Cherry” by her family.  She attended country school and graduated from Elgin High School in 1940.

On September 7, 1947, Geraldine married the love of her life, Darol Wilson, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.  They honeymooned at the Wisconsin Dells before returning to their farm located on Highway 56.  Darol and “Cherry” happily shared their lives at the Wilson farm until Darol unexpectedly passed away in 1980.  In true “Bennett” determination, she survived this devastating loss.  Her children always admired her grit and resolve of managing the farm all these years with the help of Hal and Marty.  She mowed her lawn with pride, along with her son, Hal.  In later years, the lawn mower became her form of transportation to the neighbors.  

Her determination was also displayed having survived 2 cancer surgeries, a pacemaker at the age of 92 and a broken leg at the age of 96.  Geraldine was known as a wonderful cook and baker throughout the Illyria Community.  Neighbors and other friends would always enjoy stopping by for a visit; and of course, while chatting, would enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, one of her cinnamon rolls, a piece of rhubarb pie or any other “new” recipe she had found in her “closet full” of cookbooks.  Her reputation grew as she worked at Humphrey’s Dairy and Bostrom’s in West Union as a cook. 

For many years, in honor of Darol’s years as a WWII veteran and member of the Elgin Legion, she would serve coffee and her tasty cinnamon rolls to the Legion men as they were traveling to Illyria for Memorial Day Services.  Family, neighbors, and the Illyria Church were the center of Geraldine’s life.  She thoroughly enjoyed family gatherings and all the potlucks and activities at Illyria.  Geraldine lived, by herself, on the farm until the morning of October 8 when she fell at her home.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Darol; her parents; a sister, Lois (Mathys) Voshell, brother-in-law, Clarke Voshell; brother, Clarion Mathys; and sister-in-law, Darlene Mathys.

She is survived by her daughter, Ivy (Dave Hagedorn) of Waterloo, IA, and her son, Hal Wilson (Marty Berda) of Elgin, IA.  She leaves behind her grandchildren, Jenny Hanson of Raleigh, NC; Kari Hanson of St. Louis Park, MN; and Chris (Amanda) Wilson of Grimes, IA.  She also leaves her beloved three great granddaughters, Kennedy, Cambrie, and Ellie Wilson of Grimes.  Also surviving are her nieces, nephews, and the many friends of the Illyria Community.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in her name to the Wadena First Responders or the Illyria Church Window Restoration Project.  

Rest in peace, Mom, you were so loved.