Geraldine Chrystler

Geraldine (Besse) Chrystler was born January 7, 1945, in Caledonia, MN, the daughter of George and Deloris Besse. She was united in marriage to Jerry Kretsch in 1962. Of Geraldine's many accomplishments, one she was most proud of was to be the first woman to solo pilot out of the Springfield Airport. She moved to Michigan in 1977 and married Robert Chrystler on July 21. Geraldine was a top Sales Engineer in the Chicago area where she worked from 1987-1997, winning many awards. Geraldine and Robert purchased Deer Path Resort in Conover, WI in the late 90's, which they owned and operated with her daughter Debra. She battled scoliosis most of her adult life and was passionate about spine research. Geraldine enjoyed art, ceramics, golf, and decorating, and especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Geraldine (Besse) Chrystler, age 61 of Conover, WI, formerly of Springfield, died Friday, November 17, 2006, at Minocqua, WI. Survivors include husband- Robert Chrystler of Conover, WI; children- Jeff and wife Diane Kretsch of Springfield, Clayton and wife Lori Kretsch of Springfield; Mike and wife Tory Kretsch of Jordan, MN, Debra Kretsch of Conover, WI, Rob and wife Johanna Chrystler of Whispering Pines, NC, and Dan and wife Billy Mae Chrystler of Kalkaska, MI; grandchildren- Tyler, Sarah, April, Amanda, Amber, Parker, Kasey, Christopher, Whitney, Mason, Alex, Benjamin, and Zeke; sisters- Linda Melvin 'Red' Essig, Deb Avery, Donna Brad Johnson, Connie Kelly, Carrie Dean Pietig, and Lori Loren Marthe; and brothers- William Besse, and Robert Kristi Besse. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother- Duane Besse. Memorials may be sent in care of Sturm Funeral Home, P.O. Box 58, Springfield, MN 56087. Memorials preferred to the Christopher Reeve Foundation.