Geraldine "Gerie" Stears, age 87, of Shawano, formerly of La Crosse, passed away on Monday, March 14, 2016, in Appleton. Gerie was born in Cicero, Illinois, on May 15, 1928, to the late Walter and Harriet Vaver. In 1949, she moved to La Crosse, Wisconsin, where she married and resided with her husband, John D. Stears. Gerie was a professional hairdresser and sole proprietor of Gerie's Beauty Salon, located on 16 th and Jackson Streets. She and John relocated to Summerfield, Florida, where they resided for 37 years. In 2006, she and her husband moved to Shawano, Wisconsin, to be cared for by their daughter, Sandi. Gerie will forever be remembered for her compassion and kindness to others. She lived her life with a joyful spirit and a twinkle in her eye. Her creations as a master knitter, crocheter and cross stitcher were lovingly shared with family and friends throughout her lifetime.

Gerie is survived by: her daughter, Sandra (Jim) Beitzel, Shawano, WI; her step-son, John (Rheta) Stears, Wabasha, MN; her step-daughter, Pam (Bill) Weil, Deforest, WI; eight grandchildren, Kristen Maule, Erin (Scott) Keeley, Bill (Terri) Weil, Eric Weil, Cindee (Steven) Schuetz, Tony (Lynn) Beitzel, Steven Beitzel and Cherie (Steven) Peterman. She is further survived by nine great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John D. Stears, her parents, and her brother, Ray Vaver.

A memorial service is being planned for a later date.