Geraldine A. "Gerri" Schmelzle

Geraldine A. "Gerri" Schmelzle, 84, of Seneca, died Wednesday evening, December 13, 2006, at Life Care Center in Seneca.
   Gerri was born on October 4, 1922 in Seneca, Kansas. Her parents were Dr. George L. Noll and Barbara E. Krier Noll. She was one of four children in the family. Gerri attended Sts.Peter and Paul School in Seneca.
    She married Phil Minnehan. They lived in Fresno, CA, where they raised their three children: Elaine, Phillip, and Jaqua. Gerri moved back to Seneca in November of 1979.
   Gerri was and avid traveler, often going from Seneca to California to visit her children. She enjoyed renovating old houses, both in Seneca and in California. She loved antiques and her beloved dogs. Gerri was well known for her “quirky” personality which endeared her to many by bringing laughter to any situation. She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and St. Ann’s Alter Society.
     On September 13, 1986 Gerri married Gene Schmelzle. She and Gene moved from their farm into Seneca.
     Survivors besides her husband Gene include a son, Phillip Minnehan, of Fresno CA; a daughter, Jaqua Beldin, of Fresno, CA; eight Schmelzle step-sons, John “Jack” and Charles, both of Atchison, Larry of Oneida, Robert of Axtell, Donald of Manhattan, William of Salina, and David and Patrick, both of Seneca; four step-daughters; Mrs. Marjean Severin of Axtell, Mrs. Dee Hudgens of Prairie Village, Mrs. Jean Rasmussen of Westmoreland, Mrs. Janice Larrison of Topeka; 54 grandchildren/ step-grandchildren, and 67 great-grandchildren/ step-grandchildren.
     Gerri was preceded in death by her daughter, Elaine Kovac; her sister, Lucille Haug; two brothers, Dr. Robert M. Noll and Dr. C.M. Noll; and a grandchild.
     Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 2 pm Saturday at Sts Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be recited at Lauer Funeral Home at 3 and 8 pm on Friday. Memorial contributions may be made for Parkinson’s disease research, in care of the family.