Geralyn Marie McKenzie

Geralyn (Geri) Marie McKenzie (70) of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, passed away with her family by her side in Green Bay, Wisconsin on Monday, July 15, 2024. Geri was born in Chicago on November 11, 1953 to John George and Dolores Barbara (Lorman) McDowall. One of nine children, Geri’s youth was filled with family and punctuated with summer afternoons at the ballpark and trips to Door County, Wisconsin. Upon graduation from Taft High School in 1971, she enrolled in courses at Wright Jr. College and worked in sales and design. She married Keith McKenzie in 1982, and together they had two children, Cori and Kyle. In 1992, she earned an Interior Design Certificate from the College of DuPage and went on to start her own business decorating private residences and model homes in the Chicago area. After nearly decade as a designer, she transitioned back into the sales and service industries. Most recently, she moved to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin and worked at a clothing boutique, where she delighted in building rapport with customers and helping shoppers find a funky jacket or the perfect dress for a special occasion. Geri was adventurous, organized, and friendly—so friendly, in fact, that she seemed to run into someone she knew each time she left the house! She had a talent for sewing. When her children were young, she made their Halloween costumes and special occasion clothing, and later in life, she sold handmade pillows, purses, and home décor at stores and holiday markets in Door County. She collected owls, never passed up an antique store, and was a lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs, Blackhawks, and Bears. She was deeply proud of her work ethic, her creativity, and her two children. Geri is survived by her children Cori McKenzie (Andy) Read, Kyle (Hannah Chavez) McKenzie; siblings Sharon (Dick) Brabson, Pat (Steve) Day, Ed (Rita) McDowall, Jim (Carol) McDowall, Bob (Cindy) McDowall, Cindy Byrd, Barb (Carl) Liebe, and Mary (John) Manchen. Geri was preceded in death by her parents, John and Dolores, and her brother-in-law Jim Byrd. Visitation will be held on September 14th from 9 am-11 am and will be followed by an 11 am memorial service at River Woods Funeral Chapels, 205 S. River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016.

Geralyn Marie McKenzie

November 11, 1953 - July 15, 2024